Nikola Jokic put everything on the line in Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns but couldn’t take home the win, despite dropping 53 points and 11 assists.
Fans felt bad for Jokic, who played like the MVP most people believe him to be in an offensive masterclass, as the Nuggets couldn’t keep up with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Nikola Jokic finished with 53 points, tied for the 2nd-most in a playoff game by a center in NBA history.
Only Wilt Chamberlain had more with 56 points.
Jokic also scored or assisted on 78 points tonight, the most in a playoff game by a center in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/McxyRFYVvM
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) May 8, 2023
Fans were quick to admit they were wrong about Jokic’s game throughout the season.
IF YOU HAVE EVER SAID AN ILL WORD ABOUT JOKIC I HOPE YOU'RE DOING SOME REFLECTION TONIGHT
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) May 8, 2023
This was a tough loss for Nuggets fans to endure.
Nuggets fans after watching Jokic drop 53 and still losepic.twitter.com/dRfBNvu1Qw
— ProphetX Hoops (@ProphetXHoops) May 8, 2023
Some people criticized the help Jokic had around him, with players like Michael Porter Jr. struggling immensely.
https://twitter.com/JoeyMountains/status/1655399430185705475
Jokic carrying the Nuggets and still losing has to be tough on him, according to fans.
Jokic is tired of carrying. pic.twitter.com/yzCYoxz9p1
— Enzo🤴 (@Enzonastyy) May 8, 2023
More fans were disappointed that his insane performance wasn’t enough for the win.
Played is A game and it still wasn’t enough….
— Tkles de latalay (@Klesca) May 8, 2023
Even if Jokic’s 53 and Jamal Murray’s 28 combined for 81 points, it just wasn’t enough on a night where defense was needed to close it out. The Nuggets couldn’t stop the Suns’ barrage at any point, with Booker and Durant proving why a playoff series is usually won by the team with the best top-end talent.
Jokic did end up missing a game-winning shot and had a poorly-timed turnover, so he could’ve done more on this incredible night as well.
What Can The Nuggets Do To Win Game 5?
Denver will play Game 5 in the comfort of their own home arena, a massive advantage for them as they are yet to lose a home game in the playoffs. The same goes for Phoenix, so it’s in their best interests to ensure they can win home-court advantage and come back for an elimination Game 6 at home, where they can advance if they win.
The defense has to be the primary agenda for Denver. Their Game 2 win was highlighted by their playing suffocating defense that flustered the Suns, something they’ve gone away from in their losses in Games 3 and 4. Hopefully, Aaron Gordon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Bruce Brown find the energy they had in Games 1 and 2 to ensure they can protect their home court in Game 5 and take a 3-2 series lead.
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