The Denver Nuggets entered the 2026 NBA Playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league, holding the Western Conference’s third seed.
That momentum might’ve carried into Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but it stopped there. The Nuggets went on to lose three games. Heading into Game 5, their season was on the line.
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets kept the postseason run going for one more game, but it was over after Game 6. A shorthanded Timberwolves team issued the Nuggets a 110-98 loss. The Timberwolves sealed the series with a 4-2 victory.
Minnesota is set for a second-round meeting with the San Antonio Spurs. The Nuggets are done for the year, and NBA fans on social media have the word “chokic” going viral and trending.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 21: Nikola Jokić #15 of the Denver Nuggets in action during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
“Chokic” Is Trending On Social Media After A Nuggets Loss
NBA fans reacting to the action on X:
NotBertavakian: I dare chokic to lose this
Brungod: Media better go crazy on Chokic. That mf been [expletive] since 2023
_danngreen: LMFAOOO CHOKIC TURNOVER ITS OVER
Deadboylyfee: People are finally waking up to Chokic’s antics and talking about it
Kabbamoy21: CHOKIC OUT MY PLAYOFFS LMAOO
Daeshikjr: NIKOLA CHOKIĆ
The Denver Nuggets Call It A Season
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 18: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets boxes out Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
Even if the Nuggets struggle, Jokic is typically one to dominate.
But the series between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves was clearly a difficult grind for the veteran center, who played against a defensive superstar in Rudy Gobert.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Detroit Pistons in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2024 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 the first five games of the series, Jokic averaged 25.4 points per game. He struggled with his efficiency, shooting a playoff career-low 42.2% from the field.
During the final game of the series, Jokic produced 28 points on 11-19 shooting. He made just 1-5 of his shots from three. Along with his scoring, Jokic produced 10 assists, nine rebounds, and one block.