Nikola Jokic was incredibly frustrated during the Denver Nuggets‘ 95-115 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. During one play, Jokic attempted to drive to the basket but was pushed by Donte DiVincenzo from behind and Rudy Gobert from the front. However, no foul was called on either player, and when Jokic tried protesting the missed call, he found the referee laughing, to which he reacted furiously.
[Highlight] Donte pushes Jokic in the back while Rudy pushes in the front – No foul. Jokic asks referee “why are you laughing?” as Jokic goes 15 FGA on 2 FTA for the half.
byu/CharmingImpact innba
Jokic’s frustration was understandable. This wasn’t the only time he clapped back at the referees. Later in the game, during a separate incident, the referees finally called a foul in his favor. The reigning MVP reacted sarcastically by smiling, applauding, and thanking the officials for finally awarding him a call.
Nikola Jokic gets mauled, then smiles and claps at the foul as if to say, "Gee, thanks for actually calling one, guys!" pic.twitter.com/eQOZFWaAzi
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) March 13, 2025
Jokic did feel like he didn’t get enough calls going in his favor. He only went to the free-throw line eight times, converting six of his attempts from the charity stripe. Overall, Jokic did have a good game despite the missed calls, putting up 34 points (13-23 FG), eight rebounds, four assists, and one steal. But it wasn’t enough to help the Nuggets get a win against the Timberwolves.
This loss could prove to be quite harmful for the Nuggets in the race for the second seed in the West. They currently have a 42-24 record, which leaves them tied with the Grizzlies for the second-best record in the Western Conference. However, the Los Angeles Lakers are hot on their heels with a 40-23 record, which means they have three extra games to close the gap and leapfrog the Nuggets in the standings.
The race for the second seed in the West is heating up between these three teams. As the Thunder have a comfortable lead over all three sides, they will not be too worried about which team ends up securing the second seed. But this game could also prove to be crucial in the MVP race between Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jokic recently admitted that he was playing the best basketball of his career this year and would want to be rewarded with his fourth MVP. However, there are many, including Stephen A. Smith, who believe that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserves the award over Jokic this season, mostly because of how the Thunder have performed this year.
The Serbian All-Star is having an excellent season, averaging 29.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.4 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 57.7% from the field, 42.8% from beyond the arc, and 80.8% from the free-throw line. However, the Nuggets’ struggles in the West, at least compared to OKC, could keep him from winning his fourth award.
Jokic winning a fourth MVP would put him alongside LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain for the third-most MVP wins in NBA history.
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