That’s it for the Denver Nuggets‘ 2025-2026 NBA season. The Minnesota Timberwolves can proudly say they’ve cracked the Nikola Jokic code, and now they are moving on.
As for the Nuggets, they have to sit with the disappointment of being upset in the first round after cracking the Western Conference’s third seed.
Following the Game 6 loss, Nikola Jokic was asked about the blame level that he feels after getting the final results for the series. He issued plenty of the blame on himself.
Nikola Jokic Issues Blame For Denver Nuggets’ Series Loss
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 20: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets talks to Tony Brothers #25 during a break in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Game Two of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026 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)
“A lot,” Jokic said of the blame level he feels.
“I needed to play better. In my eyes, I must play better. I think I was getting in the rhythm from the third game a little bit better in the rhythm, but I needed to play much better. The first three games, just needed to get everybody involved, get guys open, be aggressive, score. I mean, give [the Timberwolves] credit. They were better this series, definitely.”
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 21: Nikola Jokić #15 and Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets speak during a timeout during the fourth quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Nikola Jokic is an offensive juggernaut. He’s a rare breed for a big man, being Denver’s best scorer, but also their best playmaker. On the other side, Rudy Gobert is a defensive powerhouse. The battle was expected to be interesting, but the tape says it was lopsided in favor of Gobert, despite Jokic’s respectable numbers.
The Nuggets Have A Lot To Think About
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 1: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets calls a play during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on April 1, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
Early upsets tend to call for plenty of questions.
Jokic already had to answer for the future of his head coach, David Adelman, as well as his own. The superstar center made it clear that he wants to return to Denver and plans to stay in Colorado for the rest of his NBA career.
But with the shocking loss still being fresh, Jokic and his team will have to face a lot of questions as they get through this wave of disappointment.