In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Nuggets, fresh off a championship-winning season, stumbled in their season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite high expectations and a strong preseason, the Nuggets found themselves grappling with missteps as OKC seized the upper hand. Speaking after the game, Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets’ star and reigning Finals MVP, shared his thoughts on what went wrong—and his insights reveal both concern and motivation for the team moving forward.
Jokic didn’t hold back, admitting that Denver’s performance wasn’t up to the standard fans had come to expect. He pointed to a lack of cohesion on both ends of the floor and admitted that the Thunder’s speed and defensive intensity caught them off guard. This loss isn’t just a minor stumble; for Jokic, it’s a wake-up call for the reigning champions. He acknowledged that if Denver wants to hold on to its title, they’ll need to address these issues swiftly and effectively.
One of the biggest challenges the Nuggets faced was their struggle to keep up with OKC’s pace. The Thunder’s young stars, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, put on a show, exploiting gaps in Denver’s defense with quick drives and sharp perimeter shooting. Jokic pointed out that while the team has experience, they’ll need to adapt better to fast-paced opponents if they want to stay competitive. “We let them dictate the game too much,” Jokic remarked, adding that they’ll need to match that energy to prevent teams from outpacing them.
Another factor Jokic highlighted was the Nuggets’ shooting woes, which proved costly. Despite Jokic putting up solid numbers, the supporting cast struggled to find their rhythm, leading to missed opportunities and turnovers. Jokic emphasized the need for better ball movement and communication, explaining that when the team isn’t in sync offensively, it creates problems on defense, too. As he put it, “We’ve got to find our balance. If we’re off on one end, it impacts the whole game.”
The Nuggets’ loss may have stung, but for Jokic, it’s a lesson as well as a reminder that every game matters. As he sees it, embracing the setbacks now could fuel a stronger, more focused Denver team. With the season just beginning, the Nuggets still have ample time to sharpen their strategy, and Jokic’s leadership will be pivotal in rallying his team to bounce back.
