Nikola Jokic offered insight into Denver’s 115-114 defeat to the LA Clippers, stressing defensive discipline in close games. “Be on the spot, wait for a screen, use the screen and defensively try to not fall when they’re in the shooting motion… maybe pre-rotate a little bit faster, be a little more aggressive,” he said.
The Nuggets star addressed the final minutes, noting missed opportunities. “The game was close. We were getting the shots. We didn’t make any… defensively, they were on the free throw line most of the time… we just couldn’t stop following them,” Jokic explained.
He analyzed why Denver has struggled in tight contests recently. “Not making probably shots… we kind of create some shots but we are not making those big shots… hopefully that’s going to change,” Jokic said.
Turnovers also contributed to the loss, and Jokic pointed to LA’s defensive pressure. “They’re really handy… they have really good personnel… we just needed to be a little bit stronger with the ball and try not to make risky passes,” he said.
Jokic downplayed memories of previous close games in Portland. “Absolutely nothing. I don’t… don’t remember it. By two, we had a chance to win it actually,” he recalled.
Looking ahead, Jokic stressed the need for confidence and aggression. “Tough game is coming… big tall long arms, playing the pass… we need to screen and get open looks, shoot with confidence… defensively just try to be more aggressive when we are allowed,” he said.
The Nuggets fell to 35-21, missing a chance to climb the Western Conference standings, while the Clippers improved to 26-28 behind Bennedict Mathurin’s 38 points. Denver will visit Portland Friday night, aiming to correct late-game mistakes.
