Nikola Jokic delivered a triple-double with 35 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Portland Trail Blazers 137-132 in overtime on Monday at Ball Arena. Following the game, Jokic reflected on Denver’s late-game defensive adjustments and the team’s energy in clutch moments.
“I think our contests were not where they supposed to be,” Jokic said. “When we started contesting and make them work for it, they kind of start missing it. That was the difference of the game, I think.”
Jokic also described his thought process on the final play of regulation, when he had a chance to win. “Everything was perfect until the finish, until the execution. I wanted to steal a couple more seconds and maybe I [was] overthinking it. I missed two, I’m not going to lie, easy ones, but something that I’m confident I can make,” he explained.
On the team’s chemistry during high-pressure sequences, Jokic acknowledged the impact of momentum. “Yes. Just when the team who is chasing has more energy, more hunger, they play with a little more physicality. We definitely felt it, and we were getting the looks that we want,” he said.
Jokic addressed whether Denver’s tendency to rally late is a concern. “I’m not sure that we really let them get the lead. It just happened. We’re playing against a really talented team who was shooting the ball really well. The urge we had in the fourth quarter needs to be there from the whole game,” he said.
Reflecting on the Nuggets’ season success, Jokic noted the team’s resilience despite injuries. “It was an inconsistent year with injuries, with the lineups, with everything. We still managed to be one of the top teams. That’s telling about the team and the group we have in the locker room,” he said.
He added that the confidence from these wins could carry into the playoffs. “Finding a way to win a game is important because in the playoffs you need to find a way, matchup or player action, and use it until they stop it,” Jokic said.
On off-court routines, Jokic revealed a simple approach to mental refreshment. “My pool is ready and I’m just waiting for the good weather. Last year was great,” he said.
Denver improved to 51-28, moving into third place in the Western Conference with a season-high nine-game win streak. Jamal Murray scored 20 points, including seven in overtime, while Aaron Gordon added 23 points. Portland’s Toumani Camara had 30 points, hitting eight 3-pointers in the game.
The Nuggets will host Memphis on Wednesday, while the Trail Blazers visit San Antonio.
