By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After a narrow loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves that evened a best-of-seven series in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, at 1-1, Nikola Jokic offered a pragmatic perspective on the Denver Nuggets’ offensive struggles and a controversial late-game decision by Jamal Murray.
The loss at Ball Arena on Monday snapped a 13-game winning streak for his side, largely due to the suffocating presence of four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
The Serbian superstar was quick to credit the French center’s impact on the game, acknowledging the unique challenges he presents in the paint. “He’s a really good defensive player. He’s forcing you to take tough shots. He can reach the ball from any kind of angle,” said Jokic.
Despite the defensive pressure, the Sombor native remained confident, noting that the quality of shot creation remains their primary barometer for success. “We cannot be unhappy with all the looks when we’re shooting the ball. If we take and create open looks, I think we’ll be fine in any matchup,” he mentioned, addressing the team’s approach against the various defensive looks utilized by Wolves head coach Chris Finch.
Game 2’s most debated moment occurred in the closing seconds when Jamal Murray, with the Nuggets trailing by three, opted for a contested midrange two-pointer over Gobert instead of a game-tying three-pointer. The shot missed, effectively ending the comeback hopes. When asked about his teammate’s choice, Jokic defended the logic of the play within the flow of the game. “If we made that shot, we still had time to foul and get ourselves organized to do something. It’s situational basketball at that moment,” he explained.
While Murray and Jokic combined for 54 points on the night, their efficiency cratered in the final period. The All-Star duo shot a combined 2-for-12 in the fourth quarter, totaling just four points.
With the series now tied, the Nuggets look to reclaim momentum as the rivals shift to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Thursday night.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 0-1 (101-112)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-0 (126-113, 115-105)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-1 (113-102, 106-107)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-0 (123-91)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 1-0 (119-84)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 1-0 (107-98)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-1 (126-115, 114-119)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-0 (111-98)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions