The Denver Nuggets came into the Western Conference semis with big expectations — and for good reason. They’ve got Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP, leading the way.
But as the series against the Thunder has gone on, something’s felt a little off. Jokić, who’s usually rock-solid and super reliable, hasn’t quite looked like himself lately. His numbers are dipping, and it’s been a bit surprising to see his usual efficiency take a hit.
Sluggish Starts and Scoring Struggles
Nikola Jokić has endured an uncharacteristic shooting slump in Games 2–4 of the Western Conference semifinals, going just 6-of-16 (37.5 %) in Game 2, 8-of-25 (32.0 %) in Game 3, and 7-of-22 (31.8 %) in Game 4 for a combined 21-of-63 (33.3 %) over three contests.
Entering the postseason, the reigning MVP had shot a torrid 57.6 % from the field during the regular season, underscoring how far he’s fallen off his usual pace.
In Game 2, the Thunder erupted for a 149-106 rout—tying franchise and half-period playoff scoring records—while Jokić managed only 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting before fouling out late in the third quarter.
Two nights later in Game 3, despite tallying 20 points and 16 rebounds, his efficiency dipped again in a 113-104 overtime win for Denver, as he struggled to find clean looks against OKC’s length and pressure.
Nikola Jokic has been STRUGGLING in the last 3 games of Thunder-Nuggets 😬
Game 2: 6-of-16 FG
Game 3: 8-of-25 FG
Game 4: 7-of-22 FGThe Joker is only shooting 33% from the field over the last 3 games 🔒 pic.twitter.com/dxAMpII2Ca
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 11, 2025
“This isn’t a funeral,” Jamal Murray insisted after Game 4, when asked if Denver’s season might already be in crisis. “It’s 2-2. It’s a three-game series.” His optimism, however, belied the reality that Jokić’s shot attempts have been consistently met by heavy resistance, forcing him into contested mid-range looks and rushed drives.
Thunder’s Tactical Mastery and Momentum Swing
Oklahoma City’s defensive game plan—built around physical, on-ball pressure and help-side rotations—has routinely forced Jokić into uncomfortable positions away from the paint.
“Kind of lost our way defensively, especially in the third, but did a great job of course-correcting to start the fourth,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said, praising his team’s ability to clamp down in key moments of Game 4.
Their 14-3 run early in the fourth erased an eight-point deficit and flipped home-court advantage back to Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has seized the opportunity, shouldering the offensive load with 25 points on 11-of-21 shooting in Game 4 and an insistence on making Denver pay for any lapse.
“The game gets slower, execution matters more. In those moments when the game slows down, it usually comes down to your best players making shots and making plays,” Shai reflected following the win.
On the opposite bench, interim coach David Adelman acknowledged the peculiar ugliness of Denver’s performance. “Give their team credit,” he said. “In a disgusting basketball game, they did enough to win.”
Denver must now recalibrate its approach—emphasizing off-ball screening, attacking the paint early, and battling through the physical trenches OKC has expertly constructed.
As the series shifts to Oklahoma City for Game 5, the Nuggets’ title defense depends on snapping Jokić out of his slump and neutralizing the Thunder’s disruptive scheme.
If he rediscovers his trademark efficiency and Denver’s supporting cast regains its touch from the perimeter, the momentum could swing back. If not, OKC’s tactical edge may prove decisive—and push the Nuggets to the brink of elimination.
