After a Game 6 loss on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are finished.
Following another MVP-caliber year, where Jokic led the Nuggets to a third seed in the Western Conference, the final results are calling for major criticism sent Jokic’s way.
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce will critique Jokic just as loudly as the supporters praise him.
GettyMIAMI, FL – JUNE 05: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics reacts after he made a 3-point basket in the final minute of the fourt quarter to give the Celtics a 90-86 lead against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on June 5, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
“We’re not going to sugarcoat this one,” Pierce said on No Fouls Given.
“If this was LeBron at the peak of his powers, losing like this, because this is what we say… We say today that Joker is the best player in the game, right? He might not win MVP, but he’s the best player. We’ve said this for the last three or four years, right? Let this have been LeBron at the peak of his powers. What would we have been saying? What would we have been saying about him? He’s in his prime! If you’re the best player in the league, you’re not supposed to lose in the first round.”
The Denver Nuggets Are Entering The Offseason
GettyABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 04: A detailed view of the jersey of Nikola Jokic of Denver Nuggets during the NBA match between Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics at Etihad Arena on October 04, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
One series shouldn’t define Jokic’s career. His legacy will continue to say he was one of the best players in the league during his run–first-round exit or not.
However, Jokic deserves to face the heat, along with the rest of the Nuggets.
Denver was the clear favorite in the matchup, and their expectations rose once the Timberwolves lost Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.
But Jokic and the Nuggets didn’t pounce. The Timberwolves won two out of three games after Edwards and DiVincenzo went down (including the game they left early). That’s all they needed to win to pull off the upset.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets leaves the court after being defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers 127-125 in overtime of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Paul Pierce, like many fans and analysts, will offer the proper criticism to Jokic after he struggled against Rudy Gobert and Minnesota’s defensive attack.
The veteran center can use it as fuel next season. With the way the Nuggets went out, Jokic is sure to have an uncomfortable offseason. That comes with the territory of being the best, but coming up short.