The Denver Nuggets are facing growing pressure after falling into a 3-1 deficit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first-round playoff series. A 112-96 loss in Game 4 has put the defending contenders on the brink of elimination, raising questions about both their immediate future and long-term direction.
Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP, finished Game 4 with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, but Denver struggled collectively. The team shot just 6-for-27 from three-point range, and Jokic and Jamal Murray combined to go 6-of-24 from the field in the second half. Minnesota’s defense and transition play turned the game late, extending its series lead.
The situation has now shifted beyond the series itself. The main concern centers on Jokic’s long-term outlook with the franchise. NBA reporter Brian Caldwell wrote on X, “Nikola Jokic may explore his options this offseason if the Nuggets fail to make a deep playoff run. The former MVP is growing frustrated with the lack of playoff success.”
The former MVP is growing frustrated with the lack of playoff success.
Nikola Jokic’s Future Under Spotlight Amid Playoff Exit Threat
GettyDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic
Jokic addressed the Game 4 loss with a focus on execution issues, stating, “We had the opportunity to score easier, get open looks, and we didn’t. And in the fourth quarter the momentum is on their side. They were making shots, they were playing with some energy and we didn’t have that.” (via New York Post)
Denver has now lost three straight games in the series. The team’s inability to generate consistent offense late in games has been a recurring issue, especially against Minnesota’s defensive pressure.
The broader concern is what comes next if the Nuggets are eliminated early. Jokic has been the franchise’s centerpiece, leading Denver to a championship in 2023. However, recent postseason outcomes have not matched that standard.
Discussion around Jokic’s future has intensified as a result. Team reporter Matt Moore, speaking on the “Locked on Nuggets” podcast, outlined one potential scenario involving the star center’s contract decisions.
“If Joker declines the extension, then they will trade him, because you can’t lose Nikola Jokic for nothing,” Moore said. “They will trade him to the Lakers, I guess, if that’s what he wants, or wherever he wants to go.”
Moore added that a move remains uncertain, stating, “I don’t expect [Nuggets ownership] to move him because they make too much money off having Jokic… I still expect Joker to be around.”
While no decision has been made, the possibility of offseason changes has entered the conversation as Denver faces a potential early exit.
Denver Nuggets Playoff Struggles Highlight Roster Concerns Around Nikola Jokic
GettyDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic goes up for a shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves
Game 4 highlighted several of Denver’s challenges beyond Jokic’s individual performance. Jamal Murray led the team with 30 points, but the supporting cast struggled to contribute consistently.
Minnesota capitalized on turnovers and defensive lapses, using a strong fourth quarter to pull away. The Timberwolves’ depth proved decisive, particularly with Ayo Dosunmu scoring 43 points off the bench.
The game also ended with a late altercation. Jokic and Minnesota’s Julius Randle were both ejected after Jokic confronted Jaden McDaniels for scoring in the final seconds of a decided game. Jokic addressed the incident briefly, saying, “Because he scored and everybody stopped playing,” and added, “No. I don’t regret.”
Head coach David Adelman supported Jokic’s reaction, stating, “Obviously, I didn’t like what McDaniels did. The game was over. The game was conceded both ways.”
Beyond the incident, Denver’s defensive struggles have been a key factor throughout the series. The Timberwolves have exploited mismatches and pushed the pace, particularly during their three-game winning streak.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets must respond at home in Game 5 to extend the series. Adelman expressed confidence in his core players, saying, “I expect us to have a great effort in Game 5. I really trust our two best players will find a rhythm.”
However, the larger picture remains uncertain. If Denver is unable to recover in the series, attention will shift fully to offseason decisions and roster construction around Jokic.
For now, the Nuggets face an immediate challenge: avoid elimination and stabilize a series that has quickly moved out of their control.
Nikola Jokic Could Leave Nuggets This Offseason as Playoff Frustration Reaches Boiling Point