The NBA world isn’t used to seeing Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic struggle like this. Clearly, the Minnesota Timberwolves have tapped into a rare power, and it’s paying off through three playoff games.
Notable Jokic supporter Bill Simmons is losing confidence in the Nuggets’ chances of closing out the first-round series against the Timberwolves on top.
After seeing the way Game 3 played out, Simmons believes there’s a chance that Denver’s season is coming to a close much sooner than expected.
Bill Simmons Addresses Nikola Jokic’s Struggles
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 125-123. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“As a longtime Joker fan, I don’t think I’m going to be potentially watching him in about 10 days,” said The Ringer host.
“It’s tough because he can’t make threes. They’re not going in. And Minnesota is doing just one-on-one with him versus Joker, and if he’s not making the threes, that means he either has to beat him off the dribble, which is hard, or he has to post him up, which is really hard. He looked just a whiff defeated during this game too … This game it really felt like he was trying to problem solve, and when he can’t make threes, I think it’s going to be really hard.”
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been recognized as one of the best rim protectors in the game. Since Game 1 against the Nuggets, that much has been on display.
While the Nuggets eventually found a way to punish the Timberwolves’ defense in Game 1, Denver couldn’t solve the issue in Games 2 and 3. The result? Back-to-back losses after several weeks of winning to close out the regular season.
Nikola Jokic Is Struggling
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 10: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks for a foul call against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Ball Arena on February 10, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
In Game 2, Jokic made 40.0% of his shots from the field, making just one out of seven threes. He finished that game with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists.
The Nuggets suffered a 119-114 loss, and the series was tied 1-1 before going to Minnesota.
On Thursday, the Nuggets trotted out Jokic for 35 minutes. He took the most shots in a game this series so far with 26 attempts. It was his worst showing, as he made just 26.9% from the field. Jokic wrapped up Game 3 with 27 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The Nuggets came up way short, losing 113-96. Denver is now down 2-1 in the series. They will get a chance to bounce back on Saturday, April 25, for Game 4.