Game 3 in Minnesota turned out to be another tough outing that the Denver Nuggets couldn’t come out on top of.
Although Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets were confident they could bounce back, the MVP candidate once again struggled to overcome a strong defensive effort put on by Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves’ defense.
As the Nuggets were losing control of Game 3, clearly on the path to taking on a second-straight loss, the NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor dropped a brutally honest take on Jokic’s performance.
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)
via Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo Sports: Nikola Jokic has been a disaster. No other way to put it. Rudy Gobert is in his head in the paint. He’s also lost his 3-pointer. Making sloppy passes. Not getting stops on defense. Just a straight up horrible series so far by Jokic.
That was before the Nuggets officially dropped to 0-2 in the series. O’Connor would later add that the Timberwolves’ ability to clog the paint and lock down Jokic is leading to uncharacteristic passes.
“Hard to feel any good about Denver’s chances unless Jokic stops having the worst playoff series of his career,” O’Connor bluntly stated.
The Nuggets Are Falling Short
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 25: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on December 25, 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
At the end of the game, the Nuggets fell short with a 113-96 loss.
Jokic checked in for 35 minutes on Thursday night. He struggled from all areas of the field. Jokic made just 2-10 shots from three. Overall, he made 7-26 shots from the field. Only the charity stripe is where he found consistency, going 11-11.
The MVP finalist wrapped up the game with 27 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four turnovers.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter at Ball Arena on October 24, 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)
Jokic struggled, but so did the supporting cast. Cam Johnson, Spencer Jones, and Christian Braun combined for 14 points. Jamal Murray contributed 16 points on 5-17 shooting from the field. He missed all five of his threes.
Although the Nuggets quickly adjusted to Minnesota’s stout defense in Game 1, looking comfortable down the stretch, and closing out with a victory, the Nuggets haven’t looked the same since.
The Timberwolves are now in the driver’s seat of the series, and the Nuggets need Jokic and his supporting cast to step up and be much better in Game 4.