The Denver Nuggets are in the thick of their playoff journey, with two clear objectives – win games and keep their star centre Nikola Jokić healthy. While they’ve managed to stay competitive, the latter has become a growing concern as the physicality ramps up, especially in their current series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Thunder's Physical Approach to Jokić Raises Concerns
Jokić, a two-time MVP, has been a prime target for aggressive defensive strategies this postseason. The Thunder, in particular, have leaned into a rougher style of play, pushing the limits of what officials will allow. Following Oklahoma City’s dominant 149-106 victory over the Nuggets in Game 2 on Wednesday, Denver forward Aaron Gordon didn’t hold back, calling out the Thunder’s physical tactics and urging referees to stop missing fouls on Jokić.
Gordon Speaks Out
Gordon’s frustration wasn’t without cause. Jokić fouled out in the third quarter, effectively cutting off any realistic shot at a Denver comeback. Despite his limited time on the court, Jokić still managed to put up 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists – a testament to his all-around impact. However, with the Nuggets already trailing by a significant margin, his absence only widened the gap.
“It's tough when our star player is getting hammered out there and the whistles just aren't coming,” Gordon said post-game. “We’re not asking for special treatment, just for the calls to be fair.”
The Numbers Behind the Frustration
While Gordon’s comments highlight a legitimate concern, the officiating wasn’t entirely one-sided. The Nuggets were called for 29 fouls in Game 2, while the Thunder picked up 24. That five-foul difference, however, doesn’t fully capture the physicality Jokić faced on almost every possession. It’s a tactic that has become all too common against the Serbian big man, who is often tasked with powering through double teams and relentless body checks.
History of Overlooked Fouls
This isn’t the first time the Nuggets have raised the issue this postseason. During their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers, interim head coach David Adelman voiced similar frustrations. After Game 6, he bluntly described the physical play against Jokić as “absolutely crazy,” arguing that the Clippers had been given too much leeway in their approach.
Despite the rough treatment, the Nuggets managed to grind out a Game 7 win, setting up their current showdown with the Thunder. But as Wednesday’s thrashing showed, physicality remains a persistent challenge for Denver.
A Defining Moment in the Series
With the series now tied 1-1, the Nuggets face a critical juncture. Game 3 on Friday offers a chance to reclaim the series lead, but only if Jokić can stay on the court and the team can adjust to the Thunder’s bruising style of play.
Gordon, reflecting on the blowout loss, acknowledged that physical play wasn’t the sole reason for their defeat. Interim coach Adelman perhaps summed it up best when he told reporters, “We got punked.”
Moving Forward – Keys for the Nuggets
For the Nuggets to advance, they’ll need to address a few key areas:
- Protect Jokić: Finding ways to keep Jokić out of foul trouble without sacrificing his defensive presence will be crucial. This might mean better rotational support and more strategic matchups.
- Adjust to Physicality: The Nuggets need to meet the Thunder’s physical intensity without losing their composure. This includes smarter ball movement to avoid getting trapped in double teams.
- Bench Support: With Jokić potentially seeing limited minutes if the foul issues persist, Denver’s bench players need to step up. Players like Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray will need to take on bigger offensive roles.
Can the Nuggets Regain Momentum?
With the series hanging in the balance, Game 3 could be a defining moment for the Nuggets. If they can stay composed, match the Thunder’s physicality, and keep Jokić on the court, they have a strong chance to reclaim the series lead.
As the Nuggets prepare for what promises to be a physical and emotional Game 3, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Jokić’s health and Denver’s championship aspirations may very well hinge on the whistle of the referees and the resilience of the roster.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
