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Nikola Jokic delivered a blunt assessment of the Denver Nuggets’ offensive struggles after a 113-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their first-round series on Thursday night in Minneapolis.
“Yeah, we didn’t create open looks. We didn’t make it,” Jokic said, pointing to the opening quarter as a turning point in the game.
“The physicality was there on both sides. But they’re big, they’re all long, they’re really good defensive players. So they’re making you shoot over them or just make extra move.”
He added that Denver’s slow start set the tone for the rest of the night. “So really good defensive quarter by them and really bad offensive quarter by us.”
Jokic, who finished 7-for-26 on two-point attempts, addressed his finishing around the rim and midrange touch. “They definitely are big, tall, long. They’re making you think about it with stunts, with contest. Give them credit, they’re really good.”
Minnesota’s pressure also disrupted Denver’s transition game, something Jokic admitted became a problem early. “I think they emphasize that. Especially after first game, you can see that even the second game, they’re pushing the pace, playing faster.”
He acknowledged the impact of perimeter shooting on the Nuggets’ overall flow. “Definitely it’s going to help us, help me and the whole team. So yes, it’s important.”
Despite the loss, Jokic maintained a steady physical outlook heading into the next game. “Feeling good. Feeling good.”
When asked about adjustments and offensive variety, Jokic emphasized more than one solution. “It’s splits. It’s catch and shoot a couple of times. So post ups. So it’s not just high ball screen.”
Frustration built as Denver’s open looks failed to fall. “Like I just said, when you start missing the easy ones, the open ones, it’s frustrating.”
Jokic also clarified that Denver knew about Aaron Gordon’s absence before the game. “Two days ago we knew it. I knew it. Me personally.”
On his playmaking being limited by Minnesota’s defensive coverage, he pointed to shot-making as the key trigger. “It’s defense. They’re a really good defensive team. And we couldn’t make shots.”
He continued, “So I needed to do a little bit better job scoring, and then I think it’s going to open up for everybody else.”
As the series shifts momentum toward Minnesota, Jokic stressed urgency rather than reflection. “In the playoffs the most important thing is the next one. So you got to win the next one.”
The Nuggets now face a pivotal response game after struggling to generate efficient offense against Minnesota’s physical and disciplined defensive scheme.
