The Joker doesn’t seem to be in much of a joking mood as the Denver Nuggets head into the postseason.
Following the Denver Nuggets’ 112-110 overtime thriller victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of Round 1 of the NBA playoffs, Nikola Jokić had some words for his teammate.
Nikola Jokić Called Out Underperforming Nuggets Teammates
When asked about how he could help Michael Porter Jr. stay mentally locked in during the postseason, Jokić had a blisteringly honest response.
“If you’re not going to be engaged right now, then you’re not supposed to be playing this sport,” said the Joker.
For a former three-time MVP and the undisputed leader of the Denver Nuggets, Jokić’s words had to have felt like a slap across the face for Porter. Despite the thrilling win, the tension in the air of Denver’s locker room is palpable — and it’s not just because of the altitude.
Nikola Jokic on what he can do to help Michael Porter Jr. stay engaged:
“If you’re not going to be engaged right now, then you’re not supposed to be playing this sport.”
(via @BrendanVogt) pic.twitter.com/eqSLrLTiii
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops)
While Jokić flirted with yet another triple-double — putting up 29 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists on 50% shooting, it was hard to believe that Porter Jr. was playing the same sport, scoring just three points and only attempting four shots in 26 minutes.
Porter’s underwhelming performance and Jokić’s acerbic comment are another rift that has split open the Denver Nuggets organization. From whispers about the competency of Russell Westbrook — an issue that was allegedly at the root of former head coach Michael Malone’s firing — to murmurs about the team’s long-term vision, the vibes in Denver are anything but championship-caliber at the moment.
Now, with growing rumblings and internal friction about Porter’s capability, the Nuggets could fall apart if they’re not careful.
Especially entering the postseason, Denver’s margin for error in the brutal Western Conference is razor-thin, and it needs every cog in the machine to be running at full capacity. MPJ’s presence on the court is supposed to be that of a complementary shooting threat paired against the deadliness of Jokić and Jamal Murray.
With his disappearance, Denver allows opposing defenses to relax and makes double-teams on Jokić much more efficient.
Still, a Game 1 win is a Game 1 win. With Jokić continuing to deliver at a historic level, Denver remains one of the top threats in the West. MPJ’s availability remains a hindrance to the Nuggets’ playoff hopes. If Game 1 was any indication, Denver’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers will not be an easy one. If role players like Porter fail to step up, the Nuggets might face the terrifying prospect of a Round 1 exit.