Nikola Jokic praised the intensity and quality of the Nuggets-Clippers first-round series following Denver’s 105-102 loss in Game 2 on Monday night at Ball Arena.
The three-time MVP finished with a 26-point triple-double but committed seven turnovers in a tightly contested matchup that evened the series at 1-1.
Jokic described the back-to-back games as “a pleasure to watch” and said, “If you’re a basketball fan, this is probably the best basketball you can watch—on both ends.”
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting, including a clutch three to end the first half and multiple contested shots down the stretch.
Denver had a chance to tie or win the game in the closing moments but missed both of its final attempts—one from Christian Braun and one from Jokic.
The Nuggets committed 20 turnovers and went 14-of-22 at the free-throw line, struggles that Jokic acknowledged postgame as critical issues.
“They were definitely aggressive,” he said. “They were attacking the ball, pre-rotating… I threw it to Kawhi, basically.”
Leonard’s performance was matched by a collective effort from Los Angeles, which received 18 points and seven assists from James Harden and a 16-point, 12-rebound showing from Ivica Zubac.
Michael Porter Jr. bounced back with 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 23 points despite Denver’s late-game execution breakdowns.
Jokic said the decision not to call a timeout on the final play was strategic due to the Clippers having a foul to give, though he second-guessed passing up a better look for Murray.
“I think CB missed. Maybe I should’ve given it to Jamal—he had momentum,” Jokic admitted.
The Serbian center emphasized how minor details like fouls, 50/50 balls, and fastbreak defense could determine the outcome of the series.
“They’re sending a third body… it’s a read-and-react situation,” he said about the Clippers’ defensive adjustments.
Game 3 will shift to the Clippers’ home floor at Intuit Dome on Thursday, with Tyronn Lue’s squad holding momentum after winning 19 of their last 22 games.
Despite the loss, Jokic expressed appreciation for the playoff atmosphere, saying, “This is why you play.”
