Nikola Jokic’s Poor Performance: Denver Nuggets Miss Chance to Lead 3-1 Against Oklahoma City

The Denver Nuggets had a golden opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in their Western Conference semifinal matchup, but Game 4 told a different story. Despite a game-high 27 points from Nikola Jokic, it was the Oklahoma City Thunder who escaped with a scrappy 92-87 victory, reclaiming home-court advantage and turning the series into a dogfight.

Jokic, who entered the postseason as a frontrunner for another NBA Finals run, is suddenly finding himself in an unusual place—a prolonged shooting slump, and it’s beginning to catch up to Denver in the most critical moments.

Nikola Jokic’s Shooting Struggles: A Series Turning Point

While Jokic led all scorers in Game 4 with 27 points, the numbers don’t tell the full story. The two-time MVP needed 22 shots to get there, connecting on just 7 field goals (31.8%) and only 2-of-8 from beyond the arc. That inefficiency wasn’t just a bad night—it marked the third straight game of subpar shooting, and the lowest field goal percentage Jokic has recorded in the series so far.

After opening the series on fire with 42 points on 52% shooting in Game 1, Jokic’s shooting efficiency has nosedived:

• Game 2: 37.5%

• Game 3: 32%

• Game 4: 31.8%

These numbers aren’t just concerning—they’re historic outliers for a player known for elite efficiency around the basket. In fact, six of Jokic’s 15 missed shots came from 11 feet or closer, an area where he’s typically unstoppable.

Jokic Admits Frustration, Shoulders Blame

“I need to do a better job, of course,” Jokic said postgame, visibly frustrated after a night where nothing seemed to fall. Though he remained composed in front of the media, his frustration showed on the court as he frequently looked toward referees, lobbying for foul calls that never came.

“They’re physical. They’re handsy. They’re good with help,” Jokic explained. “Sometimes I just cannot make a shot. It’s a little bit of everything.”

While some of the blame can be placed on the Thunder’s swarming, length-based defense, Jokic’s own standards leave little room for excuses. His ability to dominate the post, make floaters, and stretch defenses with timely threes has been integral to Denver’s success—but when that fades, so too does their rhythm.

Thunder’s Defensive Blueprint: Contain the Joker

The Oklahoma City Thunder have clearly found a formula that is disrupting Jokic’s usual brilliance. Despite recording just two blocked shots all game, OKC’s defense consistently altered Denver’s looks near the basket. Head coach Mark Daigneault’s defensive scheme emphasized:

• Strategic help defense

• Quick close-outs

• Physicality in the post

• Forcing Jokic into uncomfortable, contested mid-range shots

Even without racking up blocks, the Thunder made life difficult. Former Nugget Isaiah Hartenstein set the tone early by blocking Jokic’s first shot, and it set a psychological precedent for the rest of the game.

“Nikola will figure that out,” said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman, remaining confident in his superstar. “The finishing around the basket is their length. We can’t go 10-for-25 near the rim. You have to finish those baskets. It’s so hard to get there.”

Nuggets’ Offense Lives and Dies With Jokic

The Denver Nuggets, despite boasting an array of talent including Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr., continue to live and die by Jokic’s impact. In Game 4, the offensive sluggishness was apparent from the opening tip.

Jokic was scoreless in the first quarter, contributing only a single assist as Denver posted a paltry eight points in the opening frame—their lowest quarter total all season. By the time Jokic found some rhythm in the second and third quarters, the Thunder had already built a 15-point cushion.

The Nuggets battled back, eventually taking a six-point lead entering the fourth, largely behind Jokic’s mid-game surge. But as quickly as momentum swung their way, it evaporated. In the final period, Jokic ran out of steam. His legs looked heavy, his shot short. And once again, Oklahoma City’s defense pounced.

Thunder Regain Home-Court Advantage

With their gritty win, Oklahoma City tied the series 2-2 and heads back to their home floor with momentum and confidence. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental again, providing steady scoring and facilitating offense through Denver’s blitzing coverage. Meanwhile, rookie standout Chet Holmgren continued to use his length to disrupt interior passing lanes and challenge Jokic’s drives.

Even without gaudy stats, the Thunder defense dictated the flow of the game. By forcing Denver into tough looks and slowing down Jokic, they effectively shrunk the floor and neutralized Denver’s ball movement.

The Thunder’s ability to grind out a win on the road despite shooting just 42.1% from the field themselves speaks volumes about their discipline. In a game that resembled more of a playoff brawl than a shootout, it was mental toughness, not just talent, that won the day.

What the Nuggets Need From Jokic in Game 5

If the Nuggets hope to regain control of the series, they’ll need a return to form from Jokic in Game 5. That doesn’t necessarily mean another 42-point explosion like in Game 1—but it does mean:

• Improved finishing near the rim

• Greater assertiveness in the post

• Reduced turnovers under double-teams

• Less hesitation from three-point range

It also means Denver’s supporting cast needs to lift more of the offensive burden. Jamal Murray, in particular, must be more aggressive early to prevent slow starts like the one in Game 4.

With the Thunder packing the paint and rotating aggressively on drives, spacing and off-ball movement will be key. The Nuggets can’t afford another slow start—not in Game 5, and not on the road.

The Road Ahead: Series Poised on a Knife’s Edge

Game 4 was more than just a loss—it was a moment of reckoning for the defending champions. They’ve been here before, and Jokic is too savvy and skilled to stay in a slump for long. But the Thunder have proven they are not intimidated, and their confidence grows with each game.

As the series shifts back to Oklahoma City, all eyes will be on whether Nikola Jokic can bounce back and reassert himself as the most dominant force in the playoffs—or whether the Thunder will ride their defensive intensity to another upset.

One thing is certain: Game 5 will be pivotal. And whether it’s a return to dominance or the continuation of a shooting slump, Jokic will be at the center of it all.