Nikola Jokić’s legacy was called into question after the Denver Nuggets’ stunning 110-98 Game 6 road loss to the shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.
With a prime opportunity to force a Game 7, Denver lost its composure late, suffering a first-round exit despite entering the playoffs with NBA championship aspirations. The Nuggets’ third straight early elimination since capturing the 2023 title left the NBA world rethinking Jokić’s status as the league’s top player.
Nikola Jokić’s Game 6 Letdown Sparks Uncomfortable Legacy Discussions
While the Timberwolves were firing on all cylinders early in the series, winning three straight games to take a commanding 3-1 lead, injuries weakened confidence in their chances of pulling off the upset over the third-seeded Nuggets.
After losing superstar wing Anthony Edwards (knee) and starting guard Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) for the series in Game 4, Minnesota’s next-most productive backcourt talent, Ayo Dosunmu (calf), was ruled out for Game 6.
While many predicted Jokić and Co. to take care of business for the second straight outing, the Timberwolves were in control throughout most of the night on the back of their lockdown defense, dominant rebounding (50-33 edge), and relentless energy.
Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels stepped up with a monster two-way performance. He held Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray to 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting (23.5%) while erupting for a game-high 32 points and 10 rebounds.
Still, Jokić had multiple chances to assert himself late, with the must-win contest up for grabs. Instead, the three-time MVP faded down the stretch, attempting just three shots in the fourth quarter.
While the 2023 NBA Finals MVP still finished with a team-high 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists on efficient 11-for-19 shooting (57.9%), his inability to will his team to victory sparked unforgiving online reactions.
“Jokić has been impeached and removed as the consensus Best Player In The World. Primaries for his successor begin Round 2,” NBA personality Rob Perez asserted.
Jokic has been impeached and removed as the consensus Best Player In The World. Primaries for his successor begin Round 2.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 1, 2026
“The fall off of Jokić will be studied for generations. Letting NPC players get under his skin, flopping left and right all game. This guy used to be in all-time great big discussions, crazy times SMH,” Los Angeles Clippers fan @Jacobtheclipper wrote.
The fall off of Jokic will be studied for generations
Letting NPC players get under his skin, flopping left and right all game. This guy used to be in all time great big discussions, crazy times SMH
(@HaterReport) pic.twitter.com/ZeRPlthqyr
— Jacob (@Jacobtheclipper) May 1, 2026
“NO WAY THIS IS HAPPENING FAM. AYOOOOO Jokić JUST SH*TTED HIS PANTS,” content creator Ahmed/The Ears exclaimed.
NO WAY THIS IS HAPPENING FAM
AYOOOOO JOKIC JUST SHITTED HIS PANTS
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) May 1, 2026
“I don’t think a series has ever ruined someone’s PR as much as this series has to Jokić,” another user suggested.
I don’t think a series has ever ruined someone’s PR as much as this series has to Jokic
— Smiley (@30GotNext) May 1, 2026
“The best player in the world belt is officially open. Jokić. Man, you gotta win that series. Not his fault that Murray didn’t show up on either end, but that’s a rough look,” NBA personality Micah Adams declared.
The best player in the world belt is officially open.
Jokic.
Man, you gotta win that series. Not his fault that Murray didn’t show up on either end but that’s a rough look.
To be continued…
— Micah Adams (@MAdamsStatGuy) May 1, 2026
Since winning his first championship in 2023, Jokić has yet to advance beyond Round 2 of the playoffs. His latest struggles getting to his spots against aging four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert will likely mark one of the biggest blemishes on his illustrious résumé when it’s all said and done.
In the meantime, the Nuggets enter the offseason facing several question marks as they seek to capitalize on the remainder of Jokić’s prime.
