As Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets get prepared for Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a key matchup to keep an eye on is the battle of bigs.
Nikola Jokic versus Rudy Gobert has been lopsided.
The former MVP for the Nuggets is an offensive juggernaut, while Gobert has been one of the best defenders in the league since his Utah Jazz days.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
In two out of three games, defense is winning the series. Despite Gobert’s high level of success through the first few games, he makes two things clear: Jokic remains a ridiculously good offensive player, and the Timberwolves’ success is not individual.
The standout center credited his team for helping.
Rudy Gobert Sends Clear Message On Nikola Jokic Battle Before Game 4
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.
“I’m just trying to compete. He’s the greatest offensive player I’ve guarded my whole career. Just trying to enjoy the challenge and make him work as much as I can,” Gobert said during his postgame presser after Game 3.
“It’s also a team effort. My teammates tonight did a great job. … Everyone in the game gave us something defensively. I just have to keep working. Keep competing and keep trying to make him earn everything he gets. That’s the biggest thing.”
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 07: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on November 07, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
After an impressive triple-double in Game 1, where the Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves 116-105, Gobert helped hold Jokic to just 8-20 shooting from the field in Game 2. Typically a successful three-point scorer, Jokic had just one shot from deep go through over seven attempts.
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)
In Game 3, Jokic had a very rare off-night in the efficiency department. He scored his series-high of 27 points, but he did it on 26 shots. Jokic made just 26.9% of his shots from the field.
Over three playoff games, Jokic is posting averages of 25.3 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game.
The Nuggets will be looking to even the series in Game 4 on Saturday night. The game tips off at 8:30 PM ET.