Even an all-time nice Nikola Jokic efficiency on Saturday could not get the struggling Nuggets into the win column towards the NBA’s worst group.
The three-time MVP scored a career-high 56 factors, including 16 rebounds and eight assists in a 122-113 loss to the Wizards (3-18, fifteenth in Jap Convention).
Jokic scored almost half of the group’s factors whereas taking 38 discipline purpose makes an attempt, tied with Hornets guard LaMelo Ball for probably the most in a recreation this season. (h/t Stathead)
Second-year bench guard Julian Strawther was second on the Nuggets with 18 factors. Excluding Jokic, who shot 22-of-38 from the sector, Denver was 24-of-56 on its discipline purpose tries.
The Nuggets missed guard Jamal Murray (hamstring) and ahead Aaron Gordon (calf), however Denver’s absences do not justify spoiling Jokic’s profession night time towards a Wizards group that entered the sport with two wins and using a 16-game shedding streak.
Denver’s depth has taken hits the previous two offseasons after successful the 2022-23 NBA title.
Throughout the 2023 offseason, it misplaced position participant Bruce Brown, adopted by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s and Reggie Jackson’s departures in 2024.
The Nuggets (11-10, ninth in Western Convention) are 4-7 of their final 11 video games. They’ve their worst file by means of 21 video games since 2021-22 once they completed the season 48-34 and misplaced to the Nuggets in 5 video games within the first spherical of the Western Convention playoffs.
As troubling as Jokic’s lack of assistance on the offensive finish has been, Denver’s protection is arguably the extra important concern. It entered Saturday ranked twenty fourth in opponents’ factors per recreation (116.8) and has given up a minimum of 120 factors in its final 5 losses.
Within the loss to Washington, Wizards guard Jordan Poole scored 39 factors on 12-of-26 taking pictures, together with 9-of-20 from deep.
The Nuggets have loads of issues, however none embody Jokic. He is enjoying nearly as good as ever. Sadly for him, every thing round him in Denver has arguably by no means been worse.
