Nikola Jokić has been rewriting the role of a modern center since entering the NBA. Despite setting the gold standard for offensive brilliance as a big man, his defensive effort is under the microscope following the latest stumble against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Denver Nuggets blew a crucial Game 2 to the Timberwolves on Monday in front of their home crowd, allowing Minnesota to overcome a 19-point deficit and win by 5. The 119-114 loss has shifted the conversation from Jokić’s stat-stuffing to his struggles on the opposite end of the court, with NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins calling him out.
Kendrick Perkins Wants Nikola Jokić To Take Defensive Accountability
The Timberwolves evened the series in Monday’s Game 2. Following Jokić’s disappointing play, Perkins criticized the three-time NBA MVP during his latest appearance on “First Take.”
“We gotta start holding Jokić accountable defensively,” Perkins said. “It was horrible what he displayed last night. He was getting the fouls, you could tell he was the focal point of the game plan. They have zero rim protection whatsoever, and they gotta figure that out ’cause they’ll continue to put him in action.”
“We gotta start holding Jokić accountable defensively. It was horrible what he displayed last night.”
—@KendrickPerkins on Nikola Jokić’s defense vs. Timberwolves ✍️ pic.twitter.com/xR7CySX5EL
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 21, 2026
Though the loss was a close one, the Nuggets center was a liability on defense. The Wolves exploited Denver’s interior, with Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle consistently attacking the basket and combing for 40 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists. Anthony Edwards went off for 30 points and 10 rebounds on a 10-of-25 shooting from the field.
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Perkins wasn’t the only NBA media member criticizing Jokić on Tuesday. Yahoo Sports’ NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor posted a highlight reel of Jokić’s defensive struggles on X with the caption: “Nikola Jokić had some really rough defensive possessions in the second half of last night’s loss.”
Nikola Jokic had some really rough defensive possessions in the second half of last night’s loss. pic.twitter.com/B0sB21hVcF
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) April 21, 2026
Rudy Gobert locked up the three-time MVP, holding him to just 1-of-8 shooting (12.5%), forcing Jokic to his lowest shooting percentage in a playoff game against a single defender with at least six attempts.
Through Gobert, the Timberwolves executed their game plan and disrupted the Nuggets’ rhythm. Jokić played 40 minutes and ended the night with a double-double: 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists. However, Jokić shot 8-of-20 (40%) from the field and 1-of-7 (14.3%) from 3-point range. In the last 8 minutes of the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves managed to hold the Nuggets to 3-of-15 shooting from the field.
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Between the Joker’s inefficient shooting and defensive struggles, it’s safe to say Minnesota’s gameplan was effective.
Game 2 highlighted the eight-time NBA All-Star’s defensive limitations, and with Game 3 looming, all the pressure is on the Nuggets’ coaching staff to adjust.
