‘Candid’ Nikola Jokic has brutally honest admission about Nuggets’ ongoing struggles

Nikola Jokic makes honest admission about the Denver Nuggets' continuing struggles, pointing fingers at none other than himself.

‘Candid’ Nikola Jokic has brutally honest admission about Nuggets’ ongoing struggles

Nikola Jokic on his teams' consistent struggles

Fans haven’t seen the Serbian star Nikola Jokic this upset and frustrated before with his team’s lingering problems, which have resulted in disappointing losses. Despite breaking numerous records and arguably playing the best basketball of his career this season, his teammates’ lack of rhythm on the offensive end and lack of effort on defense is starting to get on his nerves.

Jokic has been vocal about his teammates’ lackluster performances consistently since this past month. From suggesting pay cuts to motivate players to calling out his teammates publicly whenever needed, he has been acting like a true leader. However, they keep falling short over and over again.

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After Denver got demolished by 14 points at home in a 149-135 rout by the number one seed in the Eastern Conference yesterday, the Cleveland Cavaliers, this is what Nikola Jokic had to say to reporters about the loss:

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We are not even close to where we’re supposed to be. But I think [considering] how bad we play, I think we’re in a good spot. I think we need to start thinking about what I can do for this team to help, not what can the team do to help me. … Is it screening? Is it rolling? Is it passing? Is it shooting? Is it rebounding? Is it playing defense? I think we should, I call it, point this way, not this way, right? I think that’s the quote of the day: point this way, not that way.

Nikola Jokic after the loss at home

This was the Denver Nuggets’ second straight loss, coming after a painful defeat on Christmas Day. Nonetheless, Nikola Jokic continues to produce MVP-like numbers and has remained a true triple-double leader. Owning up to their persistent problems, he resisted pointing fingers at his teammates and instead suggested that perhaps he should do more.

The Joker recorded another triple-double for the night with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. He also contributed defensively with three steals. Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon remains sidelined due to injury, and Jamal Murray hasn’t been performing like a reliable second or third option. All these missing pieces keep accumulating against the Denver Nuggets.

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Jamal Murray’s best performance yet earns Nikola Jokic’s praise

Jamal Murray had his best game of the season last Saturday night against the Detroit Pistons. Murray scored 34 pivotal points, right behind Joker’s 37 points. Interestingly, Murray shot an impressive 57% from both inside and outside the arc. The ex-champ also tallied 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and contributed 3 blocks and 1 steal to his hustle stats.

Right after the game, Nikola Jokic gave Murray credit where it was due.

I think since he came back from injury, he’s been playing really good. He has really good energy, he’s finding advantage and taking advantage, and I think that’s how he’s supposed to play.

Nikola Jokic on Jamal Murray’s 34-point season high night

Nikola Jokic also had a stellar night, which is typical of him. He tallied 37 points, shooting 4-of-5 from three, while grabbing nine boards and dishing out eight assists.

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Next, the Denver Nuggets will fly out to Utah to face the Jazz. They are expected to dominate the Utah Jazz, who currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.