Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic offered insight into the final sequence of Monday’s 129-126 loss at Oklahoma City. “We made a three, foul, free throw, corner three. Then Shai made a three step back,” Jokic said. “It’s a special player. We just need to be better. Maybe make somebody else beat us.”
Jokic described his fourth-quarter scoring contributions as part of team execution. “I didn’t take over. It was just that moment when I got fouled, then I made a three, a layup, then a three again,” he said. “It was a play for me and I made it.”
He acknowledged Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic night. “I don’t know how hard it is to make a 20-point game in 10 games, not 120, whatever. It’s special, and he’s a special player. It’s a pleasure and privilege to battle against him,” Jokic said, referencing Shai matching Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive 20-point games at 126.
Jokic evaluated Denver’s defensive approach in the final moments. “He’s an amazing player. He made some big shots this whole season. We just need to anticipate better,” he said. “Someone’s going to make a top shot, but that’s what he does.”
The Nuggets center highlighted the importance of teammate contributions. “Aaron being back helped a lot. AJ was aggressive in the post and pressured them early. Defensively, his size was a help for us,” he said. Jokic also praised Jamal Murray’s toughness. “We know who he is. He’s been tough a long time, and he played really well tonight.”
On officiating and past incidents, Jokic noted the Dort contact from the previous matchup. “It was over since last time,” he said. “David [Adelman] even said the first foul he had on me was unnecessary.” He also briefly summarized the chaotic final minute. “We made a three, foul, free throw, corner three. Then she made a step back. That’s it.”
Jokic reflected on the matchup’s intensity. “It was two interesting games, one overtime, one buzzer beater. Definitely interesting,” he said. He also commented on league rules impacting awards. “It’s a rule. We should play by the rules. I want to play every game.”
Denver fell to 39-26, with Jokic recording 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists for his 24th triple-double of the season. Shai finished with 35 points and 15 assists, including the step-back 3-pointer that sealed the win for Oklahoma City, which improved to 51-15.
The Nuggets will host Houston on Wednesday, while the Thunder return home to face Boston on Thursday.
