The Denver Nuggets faced another frustrating defeat on Sunday, a game they seemed poised to win against a depleted Warriors squad. Leading by five points midway through the fourth quarter, it looked like Denver would secure the victory, a scenario we've seen countless times with Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. Typically, they'd turn up the heat and seal the deal, leaving us wondering why we ever doubted them.
However, this season has taken a different turn. The Warriors, led by Brandin Podziemski and Al Horford, mounted a comeback with a 24-8 run, leaving the Nuggets stunned. This loss adds to a concerning trend, as Denver now holds a 14-15 record in clutch situations-a stark contrast to their previous reliability in the Jokic era.
Jokic himself expressed concern post-game, highlighting their struggles in creating open looks and closing out games. “I mean, I’m definitely concerned because we are losing the games.
We are losing the games, and we are not creating open looks. That’s something that we need to change.
Hopefully, we need to get better. I don’t know what it is, but we need to figure it out,” he stated.
Seeing Jokic, usually the epitome of calm, voice such concerns is telling. In past seasons, any visible frustration from him often pointed to roster inadequacies. This time, the roster on paper is arguably the best he’s had, yet late-game offense has been a persistent issue, particularly in recent weeks.
Questions swirl around the cause-could it be Coach Adelman’s system, player inconsistency, or Jokic’s recent return from a knee injury? Perhaps Murray is feeling the weight of his responsibilities this season. While these are valid considerations, what remains clear is that changes are necessary.
The urgency is palpable. Jokic’s acknowledgment of the problem underscores the need for a swift turnaround. With time slipping away, the Nuggets must find a solution to reclaim their clutch performance and make the most of their talented roster.