Nikola Jokic offered a blunt assessment after the Denver Nuggets’ season ended in a 125-93 Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.
The Nuggets were eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 35 points to lead OKC to its first West finals appearance since 2016.
Jokic, who finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, said the loss echoed their Game 2 defeat earlier in the series.
“This game was basically similar to the second game,” Jokic said postgame. “We turned the ball over. We didn’t make enough shots. They were aggressive. They were attacking the offensive glass. They were making shots.”
When asked whether he still believed this Nuggets team could win another title, Jokic dismissed hypotheticals.
“If we could, we would win it. So, I don’t believe in those ‘if’ stuff,” he said. “We had the opportunity. We didn’t win it, so I think we can’t.”
Denver’s All-Star center also praised Aaron Gordon, who played through a hamstring injury but managed just eight points in limited minutes.
“I told him to not play,” Jokic said. “You can injure yourself even worse. But he’s a lion. He went out there and fought with us.”
Throughout the series, the Nuggets struggled to match the Thunder’s depth and energy, a point Jokic acknowledged.
“We played so long, for so long such a way, and it’s hard for the guys to step up,” he said. “You cannot ask someone who didn’t play 20–30 games to jump in and be good.”
He credited young players Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson for contributing but emphasized the edge deeper rotations gave to teams like Oklahoma City and Indiana.
Jokic also shared his respect for Gilgeous-Alexander after facing him 11 times this season.
“He’s a special player,” Jokic said. “His shot selection, capability of making his own shots, separation, playing his rhythm—defensively, always stealing the ball, blocking shots.”
He described the Thunder as a “well-taught, well-coached team” with elite defensive versatility and ball pressure that made execution difficult.
Jokic expressed appreciation for what interim coach David Adelman brought to the locker room after taking over late in the season.
“He changed energy,” Jokic said. “He made us believe in something. We played a seven-game series with probably the best team in the NBA.”
Despite the disappointment, Jokic took pride in Denver’s effort across the season.
“We always find a way—except tonight,” he said. “That was the description of this team.”
Looking ahead, Jokic hinted at a much-needed break.
“From now, like next couple of days, it’s going to be a lot of beer, probably,” he said with a smile.
As for international duty this summer, Jokic said he’ll consult with Serbia’s coaches before deciding on whether to participate in EuroBasket 2025.
