Nikola Jokic experienced one of the toughest nights of his basketball career as the Denver Nuggets were thoroughly dismantled by the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their playoff series. The reigning MVP recorded a staggering minus-36 plus/minus rating, marking the worst of his career, as the Nuggets fell 149–106 — one of the largest postseason defeats in recent NBA history.
According to analytics site SBOTOP Online, Jokic’s overall impact on the floor during this game was among the lowest he has ever recorded in the playoffs. Despite putting up 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, his 6 turnovers and early exit after fouling out in the third quarter highlighted a night to forget.
Nikola Jokic Rejected The Idea
When asked post-game if his sixth and final foul was the result of frustration, Jokic rejected the idea.
“No, I don’t think so,” Jokic responded calmly. “I just wanted to make sure Jamal [Murray] was protected. They were playing really physical out there — guys had their hands all over him. That’s just part of the game sometimes.”
The Serbian big man was visibly dejected as he fielded questions following the blowout loss, acknowledging that his team simply couldn’t match the Thunder’s energy or execution.
“Honestly, only one team showed up to play tonight,” Jokic admitted during the postgame press conference. “They were more aggressive, more physical. They got to loose balls, they grabbed offensive rebounds, they moved faster. We weren’t prepared for their level of intensity — and that’s why the score ended up how it did. They were just miles better than us.”
Throughout the night, Oklahoma City bombarded Denver with relentless full-court defense and high-octane offense. Its leaving little room for the Nuggets to operate. Jokic, who is known for reading defenses and making split-second decisions. Looked overwhelmed at times — a rarity for one of the league’s most cerebral players.
Another talking point from the game involved Russell Westbrook. Who briefly clashed with Thunder forward Jaylin Williams, resulting in a technical foul. The incident raised eyebrows, especially considering Westbrook’s legacy with the Thunder.
When asked for his thoughts on the situation, Jokic chose to remain neutral:
“I don’t really know what happened. That’s between them. I’m not sure what I can say about it, to be honest.”
The Reaction
The crowd’s reaction to Westbrook was also surprising. Once revered in Oklahoma City for his electrifying play and years of loyalty. The former MVP was booed by sections of the Thunder fanbase during the game. A stark contrast to the adoration he once received as a franchise cornerstone.
The series is now tied at 1–1, and both teams are shifting their focus to Game 3. Which will take place in Denver on Friday night (U.S. time). For the Nuggets, returning home presents an opportunity to regroup and recapture the form that saw them dominate Game 1.
As for Jokic, the spotlight will be even brighter. How he responds to this humbling performance could very well shape the direction of the series.
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