What’s Going On With Nikola Jokic? Three Rare Subpar Games Raise Big Questions

Game 4 of the second-round playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets ended with the Thunder pulling off a 92-87 upset on the road, evening the series 2-2. But while the win stole headlines, all eyes quickly turned to a more pressing storyline: Nikola Jokic’s surprisingly off-k night—his third in a row with subpar shooting and diminished impact.

Jokic’s been the heart and soul of Denver’s offense for years. A three-time MVP, his unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ is almost unmatched. Yet, the last three games show a disturbing trend. From dominating performances to frustrating inefficiency, Jokic’s recent numbers beg the question: What’s really going on with the Nuggets’ star?

Breaking Down the Numbers: Jokic’s Struggles in Context

In Game 1, Jokic looked like the unstoppable force we expect. He scored 42 points, grabbed 22 rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and even blocked 2 shots on an absurd 29-of-15 shooting. That night, he delivered a historic stat line—a rare 40+20+5+2 performance in playoff history—and seemed primed to steamroll the series.

But since then?

• Game 2: 17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, shooting 6-of-16

• Game 3: 20 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, shooting 8-of-25

• Game 4: 27 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, shooting 7-of-22

Combine these last three games: 63-of-21 shooting (just 33.3%), alongside 15 assists but 16 turnovers. The efficiency drop is staggering for a player of his caliber.

The Impact on Denver’s Offense and Outcome

Jokic’s recent shooting woes have coincided with the Nuggets’ offensive struggles. In Game 4, Denver shot a combined 25-of-80 from the field, a ghastly 31.3%. The Nuggets as a team combined with the Thunder for a historically low playoff shooting percentage (33.5%), making the game a brutal “iron game” — a relentless battle of missed shots on both sides.

Jokic’s inefficiency in particular meant Denver lacked the go-to offensive anchor down the stretch. His 5 points in the fourth quarter were far from the heroic performances fans and teammates rely on. With the Thunder forcing turnovers, contesting shots aggressively, and clogging passing lanes, Jokic couldn’t take over late as he did in Game 1.

What’s Behind Jokic’s Sudden Decline?

Several factors likely contribute to this rare slump:

1. Physical Fatigue:
The Nuggets have been pushing hard with a brutal playoff schedule. Starting from the first round’s Game 5, Denver has been playing every other day, leaving little recovery time. Jokic has logged heavy minutes: 42.4, 43.7, and 42.7 in Games 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Compare that to the league leader in minutes (Jamal Murray at 41.7) and it’s clear Jokic is on a heavy workload.

Fatigue affects even the greatest players. For someone who controls the offense like Jokic, exhaustion can translate into slower decision-making, less explosive moves, and lower shooting accuracy. Given the Nuggets rely so heavily on him, there’s no easy way to lighten his minutes without sacrificing quality.

2. Thunder’s Defensive Scheme:
Oklahoma City has done a fantastic job scheming to limit Jokic. Defensive efforts by players like Darius Bazley, Aleksej Pokusevski, and others have focused on contesting shots and forcing Jokic into tough spots. The team often sends double teams and timely traps, forcing the center to pass rather than shoot or attack.

Their efforts are evident in how Jokic’s shooting percentages have dropped. Even the formidable MVP hasn’t been able to overcome these consistent defensive challenges.

3. Possible Injury or Minor Health Issues:
While no major injury has been reported, minor niggles or soreness can reduce performance subtly. Jokic has been known to play through pain, but it’s plausible some discomfort or slight injury is affecting his form, especially given the demanding playoff grind.

Nuggets’ Supporting Cast Has to Step Up

Aside from Jokic, other Nuggets stars have had to carry more offensive load. Aaron Gordon has been a bright spot, particularly in Game 4 with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists. His fourth-quarter three-pointer helped keep Denver within striking distance. Jamal Murray, too, has played heavy minutes and pushed hard, but with limited help elsewhere, the team’s offense feels top-heavy.

Yet even these contributions haven’t been enough to cover Jokic’s downturn completely.

What This Means for Denver’s Playoff Future

Jokic’s dip couldn’t have come at a worse time for Denver. The series against the Thunder is tied 2-2, and the next games could very well decide which team moves on to the Western Conference Finals.

If Jokic can’t regain his dominant form, the Nuggets’ championship hopes could be in jeopardy. They need their MVP not just to show flashes, but to carry them through crunch time like he did in Game 1.

For Denver to survive, Jokic’s teammates must elevate their games and carry more offensive weight. But ultimately, it’s hard to win deep playoff series without your star performing at an MVP level.

Final Thoughts: The Heavy Burden on Jokic’s Shoulders

Nikola Jokic is one of the most unique and skilled players the NBA has ever seen. His ability to facilitate, score, rebound, and control pace is a marvel. But even the greatest have their moments of struggle.

This rare three-game stretch of inefficiency raises questions about durability and endurance in the postseason, especially for players carrying massive offensive loads on tough schedules. It also underscores how teams with smart defensive plans and relentless effort can disrupt even the most dominant stars.

As the series moves back to Denver, the pressure mounts. Can Jokic find his rhythm again? Can he push past fatigue and defensive pressure to reclaim his playoff MVP form? Because for the Nuggets, the path forward runs through their star.

The basketball world watches closely, waiting for the next chapter in Jokic’s playoff saga—one that could define his legacy and Denver’s championship dreams.