After another disappointing shooting performance in a crucial Game 4 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the questions surrounding Nikola Jokić’s ability to lead the Denver Nuggets in the postseason are growing louder. With the Nuggets now facing a 3-1 series deficit, Jokić’s performance — or lack thereof — has become the focal point of criticism, raising doubts about whether he is truly the player to carry Denver to an NBA championship.
Jokić, the reigning two-time MVP, struggled mightily on Sunday night, finishing with just 18 points on 6-of-20 shooting from the field. His inefficiency was compounded by poor decision-making and missed opportunities in key moments of the game, as the Nuggets fell 107-96 to the Thunder in front of a frustrated home crowd.
“Jokić has been the centerpiece of this team for years, but tonight, he just didn’t show up when it mattered,” said former NBA player and analyst Kendrick Perkins. “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen him falter in big moments, and now the critics are starting to ask the tough questions: Is he the guy who can take this team all the way, or are we just fooling ourselves?”
For a player widely considered one of the most talented and versatile in the league, Jokić’s performance in the postseason has often been a subject of debate. While his all-around game is undeniable, his struggles in critical moments — especially in high-pressure games — are beginning to overshadow his regular-season brilliance. In Game 4, Jokić’s shooting woes were especially glaring as he missed several makeable shots in the final minutes, allowing the Thunder to pull away in the fourth quarter.
The frustration is palpable among Denver’s fanbase, with many calling for head coach Michael Malone to adjust the game plan or even rethink Jokić’s role in the offense during crunch time. “At some point, you have to wonder if the offense should be built around someone else,” one disgruntled fan posted on social media. “Jokić is a great player, but when your star center can’t hit shots and shrinks in big moments, it’s hard to win in the playoffs.”
Jokić, ever the stoic leader, tried to deflect the blame after the game. *“I have to be better. I know that. But this loss isn’t just on me. We all need to be better. We have to play smarter, together.”* However, his inability to lead the team effectively in the final stretch of Game 4 has left many questioning whether he can truly be the centerpiece of a championship-contending team.
While Jokić’s defensive and playmaking abilities remain top-notch, the growing concerns about his scoring consistency and leadership under pressure cannot be ignored. With Denver now facing elimination, the pressure on Jokić to deliver in Game 5 has reached a boiling point. If he falters again, the already mounting criticism will only intensify, and questions about his legacy as one of the league’s top stars may become harder to ignore.
As the Nuggets head into their next game, the spotlight will be on Jokić to prove that he is indeed the answer for Denver — or risk becoming a cautionary tale for teams that rely too heavily on one player to carry them through the postseason.
