Jokic Finds Positives in Painful Loss: “Close Games Fuel My Competitive Spirit”

Nikola Jokic recorded an impressive double-double with 44 points and 15 rebounds, but the Denver Nuggets were unable to maintain their double-digit lead, resulting in a 3-2 series disadvantage against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.

“It’s tough to lose,” the 30-year-old Serbian star admitted during the postgame press conference after the defeat at Paycom Center. “I enjoy every close and competitive game. Whether it’s the playoffs or the opening game of the season, I approach each game with the same mindset every day. That’s how you stay prepared. Every match feels the same to me.”

Under the direction of David Adelman, the Nuggets led for a significant portion of Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals, even enjoying a lead of 12 points at one point.

“There were definitely opportunities to score, but we failed to capitalize on those moments,” Jokic reflected on the team’s fourth-quarter struggles that allowed the Thunder to come back. “We had open shots, but we just didn’t convert. We missed our chances, but those were the looks we wanted.”

Despite facing tough defense from the Thunder, Jokic managed an impressive shooting night, going 17-for-25 from the field and hitting 5 of 7 three-pointers in Game 5. “The shots were falling for me, which always helps. I made five threes tonight. They continued to play their game, but I was able to find my rhythm,” he noted.

Jokic, much like Jamal Murray, played the entire fourth quarter of the game.

“Leaving him out there was a choice I made, and I don’t regret it at this moment. However, I may view it differently once I watch the film after a loss,” Adelman remarked.

“You don’t focus on those decisions while playing. I felt good, so I told DA, and he said, ‘If you want to stay, then stay’,” Jokic confirmed, adding, “I’m not sure if that had any impact.”

Game 6 is set to take place at Ball Arena on Thursday. Should the Nuggets manage to extend the series to a Game 7, it will return to Oklahoma City for the next installment of NBA Sundays.

Stay tuned for the latest updates.