JUST: Nikola Jokic Finally Reacts to Shooting Slump in Nuggets’ Game 4 Defeat as Criticism Continues…
Despite managing to win one game during Nikola Jokic’s worst three-game shooting stretch of his career, the Denver Nuggets now find themselves tied 2-2 in their Western Conference semifinal series with the Oklahoma City Thunder after a 92-87 loss in Game 4.
Jokic scored 27 points but struggled from the field, shooting just 7-of-22, and missed two key free throws late in the fourth quarter. Since his dominant 42-point showing in Game 1, the three-time MVP has gone 21-for-63 (33.3%) over the past three games — the first time in his career he’s shot under 40% in three straight games with at least 15 attempts.
Jokic acknowledged the Thunder’s tough defense, physicality, and floor-spacing tactics as key factors in his struggles. He also admitted to missing a few open shots and finishing with a postseason-low three assists, part of a 19-to-23 assist-to-turnover ratio over the past three games.
Meanwhile, fellow MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up for OKC, scoring 25 points on 8-of-19 shooting and delivering three clutch baskets in the final minutes. “You earn your money when you close games,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who helped the Thunder seal the win after they had previously struggled in late-game situations.
Jokic’s fourth-quarter performance was particularly rough — he went 2-for-7 from the field and 1-for-4 from the free-throw line as the Nuggets gave up an eight-point lead.
Shooting woes weren’t limited to Jokic. Both teams struggled mightily, combining to shoot just 33.5% from the field — the worst mark in a playoff game since 2004. The first quarter was especially dismal, with a combined 25 points scored and Denver putting up just eight, none from Jokic. The Nuggets missed their first 16 three-point attempts before Russell Westbrook finally connected.
Nuggets interim coach David Adelman cited fatigue from Friday’s grueling overtime win as a possible factor, noting both teams looked physically drained. It was Denver’s seventh game in 13 days.
Still, Jokic brushed off fatigue as an excuse, saying, “When I play, I don’t think about that.”
Oklahoma City’s success in containing Jokic has largely come from Isaiah Hartenstein, who held him to just 3-of-10 shooting when matched up directly. Hartenstein credited disciplined, team-focused defense, acknowledging Jokic’s talent but emphasizing the importance of staying locked in.
Game 5 is set for Tuesday in Oklahoma city.
