
Nikola Jokic expressed disappointment with the Denver Nuggets’ performance following their 149-135 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
“We’re not even close to where we’re supposed to be, but I think for how bad we’ve played, I think we’re in a good spot,” Jokic said, as quoted by Vinny Benedetto.
The Cavaliers (27-4) extended their league-best record with their sixth consecutive win. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 33 points, hitting six three-pointers, while Evan Mobley added 26. The Cavs’ 149 points marked their highest-scoring game of the season.
Jokic recorded his 12th triple-double of the season with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. Jamal Murray matched Jokic with 27 points and dished out 10 assists, but Denver’s defense faltered without Aaron Gordon, who missed the game due to a calf strain.
Cleveland seized control with a 16-0 run in the second quarter, turning a three-point deficit into a double-digit lead they never relinquished. Darius Garland contributed 25 points, while Jarrett Allen added a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
The Nuggets allowed 80 points in the first half, their highest of the season, as Cleveland’s offense overwhelmed them. Denver struggled to slow down Cleveland’s balanced attack, with all five Cavs starters shooting above 50% from the field.
Michael Porter Jr. provided a strong start for Denver with 13 of his 18 points in the first quarter, but he faded as Cleveland took over. Christian Braun scored 16 points, and Peyton Watson added 18 off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
The Cavaliers shot 23-of-48 from three-point range, fueled by Mitchell’s six makes, and finished the game shooting 56% overall. Cleveland’s bench contributed 30 points, including 13 from Caris LeVert and nine from Sam Merrill.
Despite Jokic’s consistent brilliance, the Nuggets are now 16-13, sitting seventh in the Western Conference. Jokic is averaging career highs in points (30.5), rebounds (12.7), and assists (9.5) while playing 37.1 minutes per game, but Denver continues to underperform defensively.