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[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Led The NBA In Impressive Offensive Stat In Regular Season

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

This season has been a frustrating one for the Denver Nuggets.

One of the most frustrating parts about it is that they have struggled at times, even though Nikola Jokic has not.

In fact, Jokic had yet another historic and stunning season.

According to Polymarket Hoops, he has the highest true shooting percentage by a 25-point-per-game scorer this season.

Jokic had a 66.3 true shooting percentage, followed by Kevin Durant with 64.2, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 63.7, and Giannis Antetokounmpo with 62.5.

Jokic might not be named MVP again this year, but he is definitely playing like one.

Highest TS% by a 25-PPG scorer this season:

66.3% — Nikola Jokic
64.2% — Kevin Durant
63.7% — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
62.5% — Giannis Antetokounmpo pic.twitter.com/lb5pPVabPk

— Polymarket Hoops (@StatMamba) April 15, 2025

Jokic’s average for the season is 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists.

He was a walking triple-double this season and consistently had terrific games when he carried his team and overpowered his opponents.

True shooting is the best way to define a player’s abilities and it incorporates every different type of shot.

There have been criticisms about Jokic, such as some of his defensive output in the second half of the season.

But when it comes to offense, few people argue about what Jokic has done this year.

He is so dominant and so smart that he’s like a brilliant freight train that will always find a way to score, either by his hand or with a deft assist to his teammates.

Jokic has been MVP three times before, including last season, and will likely lose out on that prize to Gilgeous-Alexander this year.

But no matter what happens with that award, the numbers speak for themselves and his greatness cannot be denied.

The Nuggets are about to take on the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs.

The Clippers don’t want to see more stats like this, but Nuggets fans surely do.

The post Nikola Jokic Led The NBA In Impressive Offensive Stat In Regular Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-led-the-nba-in-impressive-offensive-stat-in-regular-season/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Christian Braun Says Nuggets Wants To ‘Respond’ After Tough Loss Against Clippers

(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets were easily taken care of by the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, and now their hopes of reaching the next round of the playoffs are in doubt.

They can rebound on Saturday and pull off a comeback win, but it’ll require health and a lot of planning.

Following the 117-83 loss to Los Angeles on Thursday, Christian Braun talked with ESPN about how much he wants to bounce back.

“I wish it was faster. I don’t want to think about this one anymore,” Braun said after the game. “We’ll be ready. We just got punched in the mouth and you have to respond. You can’t roll over. You can’t complain. Like I said, I wish the game was earlier. I wish we could respond earlier.”

Like Braun said, this was definitely a punch in the face for the Nuggets.

Not only did they get outplayed up and down the court, but they saw Russell Westbrook get injured, and Michael Porter Jr. is still nursing a shoulder problem.

It’s not clear what the roster will look like when Game 4 rolls around on Saturday, but the Clippers have made it clear that they won’t go easy on Denver.

Braun posted nine points, six rebounds, and one assist during the game.

He was one of several Nuggets stars who weren’t able to crack double digits, and he is hoping to change that with the next game.

The team has a lot to prove on Saturday.

If they fight hard and score a win, they will still be in this series.

But if they fall again, they will be down 3-1, and their chances of advancing will be almost completely dashed.

The post Christian Braun Says Nuggets Wants To ‘Respond’ After Tough Loss Against Clippers appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/christi...to-respond-after-tough-loss-against-clippers/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Michael Porter Jr. Reveals Discouraging Injury Update Ahead Of Game 4

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets trail 2-1 in their current series against the Los Angeles Clippers, meaning the next game is a crucial one.

However, they may be without one of the biggest names on their roster.

Speaking with ESPN, Michael Porter Jr. opened up about the injury he’s dealing with and what it means for this weekend.

So, will Porter play in the game?

“If I can, I will,” Porter said when asked if he’d be able to play on Saturday for Game 4. “If it’s still in the place like it is today and I don’t feel like I can even bring any help to the team at all, then there’s no point in trying to go out there.”

Porter injured his left shoulder while leaping for the ball near the end of Game 2 on Monday night.

ESPN has reported that it’s a Grade 2 sprain of a joint in his shoulder.

Porter was limited on Thursday night and publicly admitted that he wasn’t his regular self.

While it would have been wise for him to sit out of the game, he wanted to do all he could to help his team win.

Instead, the Nuggets lost, and now Porter is questionable for Game 4.

It’s admirable that Porter attempted to play while he was hurt, but the situation for Denver is quickly deteriorating.

He posted just seven points and six rebounds during the game and mentioned that he was feeling pain throughout the evening.

The Nuggets might be without another player on Saturday, too.

Russell Westbrook left Thursday’s game due to left foot inflammation in the second quarter.

Now, all Nuggets fans are waiting to see what their roster and their chances will look like on Saturday.

The post Michael Porter Jr. Reveals Discouraging Injury Update Ahead Of Game 4 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/michael-porter-jr-reveals-discouraging-injury-update-ahead-of-game-4/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

2 Nuggets Stars Join Elite Playoff Company With Impressive Statlines

(Photo by Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets overpowered the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, scoring a 131-115 victory and bringing their series record to 3-2.

Nikola Jokic did great during the game, but he wasn’t the only Nugget made of gold.

Jamal Murray went off with 43 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.

According to NBA.com/Stats, Murray and Jokic became one of four duos to record 40+ points and a triple-double in the same playoff game multiple times.

They join only Wilt Chamberlain and Tom Gola, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, and Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.

This was exactly what Nuggets fans wanted to see from this duo, and they are hoping for more like this in the weeks ahead.

Jamal Murray (43 PTS) and Nikola Jokić (13 PTS, 10 REB, 12 AST) become one of four duos to record 40+ PTS and a triple-double in the same playoff game multiple times, joining:

Wilt Chamberlain and Tom Gola
Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
Kevin Durant and Draymond Green https://t.co/CxZf2JcZj9 pic.twitter.com/5UvqItXziN

— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) April 30, 2025

Ever since winning the championship a few years ago, the Nuggets have been eager to duplicate the success they found.

Their pathway to success will revolve around Jokic and Murray playing like this.

There was a time when they were one of the most feared duos in the league, but that hasn’t been the case in years.

Of course, if they keep scoring like this night after night, people will fear the pairing of Jokic and Murray again.

The Nuggets are eager to put the Clippers away in Game 6 so they can move on to the next round and fight hard for another chance at a title.

They were looking like championship contenders in Game 5, led by the supremely impressive work of Jokic and Murray.

The West isn’t easy, and the Nuggets have had many setbacks and disappointments, but they gave fans something to believe in on Tuesday.

The post 2 Nuggets Stars Join Elite Playoff Company With Impressive Statlines appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/2-nuggets-stars-join-elite-playoff-company-with-impressive-statlines/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Coach Praises Jamal Murray After Incredible Performance In Game 5

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Jamal Murray made life miserable for the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, posting 43 points, five rebounds, and seven assists as his team scored a big 131-115 win.

Nuggets fans were elated by what they saw, but Nuggets head coach Davis Adelman wasn’t a bit surprised.

Speaking with ESPN, Adelman opened up about what Murray did and all he is capable of.

“These big moments, these situations. He was born for this,” Adelman said. “You can kind of tell the way the ball comes off his hand on certain nights. I thought he had a great lift on his jump shot. …When it’s flowing like that, it’s the guy that’s won us so many playoff games in the past.”

The Clippers learned what so many other teams have known for years: when Murray is shooting well, he is impossible to stop.

On Tuesday, the Clippers couldn’t do anything to limit him, and it felt like every shot he attempted found the basket.

When people talk about the Nuggets, they think of Nikola Jokic, and with good reason.

But Murray’s big game on Tuesday is a clear reminder of how the team is actually deeper than that.

The problem is that the Nuggets have been inconsistent all season long.

Even Murray has faced criticism for his hot-and-cold nature throughout 2024-25.

But he is heating up at the perfect time, and the Nuggets look much better than they did just a few weeks ago, when they had lost their head coach and were stuck in the middle of the pack in the West.

There is a lot of intense competition in their conference, and the Clippers aren’t eliminated yet.

The Nuggets aren’t out of the woods, but they will be very hard to overcome if they enjoy more nights like this from Murray.

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[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Sends Message To NBA Fans Ahead Of Nuggets-Clippers Game 7

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

It all comes down to Saturday for the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers.

That is when Game 7 of the opening round will be held, and the winner will take all while the loser goes home for the summer.

Fans for both teams were expecting a tough series, and now they will get an explosive and high-stakes finale.

Speaking with ESPN, Nikola Jokic got honest about how important and exciting this series has been.

“If you like basketball,” Jokic said. “Like a real fan, not a fake fan of basketball, these are the games you should watch.”

This will be Denver’s sixth Game 7 since 2019, which is the most by any team during that period.

In other words, they have been here before, but that doesn’t mean they have gotten used to just how tiring and intense these games are.

Both of these teams will have to leave it all on the court.

If the rest of this series has been an indication of what’s to come, fans can expect roster adjustments, strong performances on both ends of the floor, and a tight margin of victory when the final buzzer sounds.

It is just a matter of determining which team comes out on top in the end.

NBA fans wanted a lot of good games during the playoffs, and the Nuggets-Clippers series has provided quite a few.

But these two teams are not done yet, and they have one more match to deliver.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the game promises to be something that these squads and their fans won’t soon forget.

The post Nikola Jokic Sends Message To NBA Fans Ahead Of Nuggets-Clippers Game 7 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-sends-message-to-nba-fans-ahead-of-nuggets-clippers-game-7/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Jamal Murray Used 1 Word To Describe Nuggets’ Performance In Loss To Clippers

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Jamal Murray contributed a lot to his team on Thursday night, scoring 21 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists for his Denver Nuggets.

But that wasn’t enough to score a win for the team, and now their series against the Los Angeles Clippers is tied at 3-3 with Game 7 set for this weekend.

Following the game, Murray got honest about his team’s performance while speaking with ESPN.

“I thought we were unorganized,” Murray said. “I think that’s the best way to put it.”

The Nuggets entered the game with a 3-2 lead and were hoping to put the Clippers away, preparing them for the second round.

Instead, they looked off their game throughout the match, especially when the Clippers made adjustments to their lineup.

The Nuggets just couldn’t keep up, and the Clippers repeatedly took advantage of that.

This has been a long and tough series for both teams, and one of them will enter the second round tired and slightly beat up.

The Nuggets know they have been through a lot in this series, but they still feel they have the advantage and the skill and depth to go all the way.

Murray has been strong during multiple games during the opening round, especially a few nights ago when he posted 43 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.

Throughout the regular season, there were criticisms about him and his consistency, but he has shaken off most of them and looks like he’s ready for the long fight of the postseason.

Organization is key, and it’ll only be more important in the near future if the Nuggets make it to the next round.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are waiting for the winner of this series, so both the Nuggets and Clippers know things will only get harder in the weeks ahead.

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Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jamal-m...ribe-nuggets-performance-in-loss-to-clippers/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Reacts To The Difference 1 Clippers Forward Made In Game 6

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

A mid-game adjustment on Thursday night might have led to the Los Angeles Clippers beating the Denver Nuggets.

When head coach Tyronn Lue chose to put Nicolas Batum on the court instead of Kris Dunn, he gave the Clippers a big boost.

Following the game, Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was honest about his opinion of Batum.

“Batum is a much better shooter than Kris Dunn,” Jokic said plainly. “Batum is a great defensive player. He can guard 1 through 5. I don’t think they lack [anything] defensively with Batum. They’re probably going to start him next game.”

Batum ended the night with zero points, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t help.

His six rebounds and two assists were valuable, as were his two blocks.

Batum wasn’t put into the game to make buckets, but his focus was instead on facilitating plays and allowing others, notably Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, to score.

He was also tasked with blocking and shutting down the Nuggets, which he did repeatedly throughout the second half of the game.

The Nuggets admitted that they felt unorganized when Batum was on the court, and both Harden and Leonard took advantage of him being in the game with them.

Jokic predicted that Lue would start Game 7 with Batum, but it’s not clear if that will be the direction he takes.

He used Batum in the second half of the game when it was clear that his lineup could match Denver’s.

He will likely make his decision based on what the Nuggets do at the start of Game 7.

Batum has been a great bench player for the Clippers since joining them at the start of the season, and now he is attempting to prolong their playoff run.

The post Nikola Jokic Reacts To The Difference 1 Clippers Forward Made In Game 6 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-reacts-to-the-difference-1-clippers-forward-made-in-game-6/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Jamal Murray Makes NBA Playoff History With Unbelievable Offensive Stat

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets stole the series lead against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, and now they need to win only one more game to move to the second round of the playoffs.

A huge part of their win was because Jamal Murray had a night to remember.

He posted 43 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.

He also had only one free throw attempt, and, according to Polymarket Hoops, that is the most points in a playoff game with at most one free throw attempt in NBA history.

Jamal Murray had 43 PTS on 1 FTA.

That’s the most points in a playoff game with at most 1 free-throw attempt in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/MbQQSNzjrY

— Polymarket Hoops (@StatMamba) April 30, 2025

Murray was wildly efficient in Tuesday’s game and didn’t need to get fouled to help his team win.

He easily led the whole game with his points and reminded fans why he’s an important player who could be a key part of a Finals run.

There have been questions and qualms about Murray’s consistency this season.

In fact, there have been concerns about the entire team outside of Nikola Jokic.

But a game like this from Murray is a good sign and shows that other teams can never count him out.

The Nuggets are now 3-2 in their series against the Clippers, hoping to put them away in Game 6.

Just a few weeks ago, a lot of people thought the season was over for the Nuggets.

They were having a hard time racking up consecutive wins, had just fired their head coach late in the season, and the Western Conference was closing in on them.

But they have shown serious signs of life during this series, especially on Tuesday when Murray was so electric.

Do they have what it takes to fight for a title again?

The post Jamal Murray Makes NBA Playoff History With Unbelievable Offensive Stat appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jamal-murray-makes-nba-playoff-history-with-unbelievable-offensive-stat/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Used 4 Words To Describe Aaron Gordon

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Nine out of 10 people would say that the Denver Nuggets are Nikola Jokic’s team.

But if you ask Jokic, he would say someone else is more vital.

Speaking to ESPN on Monday night following Aaron Gordon’s triumphant three-pointer that gave the Nuggets Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jokic praised his teammate.

“[Aaron Gordon] is the soul of this team,” Jokic said. “He probably doesn’t get as much respect as he deserves. But I think he doesn’t need it.”

Gordon might not be the team’s biggest name, but he was their most crucial player on Monday night.

He secured a victory against the toughest team in the conference, perhaps the entire NBA, and gave the Nuggets a 1-0 lead.

This was the most surprising and impressive win of the postseason so far, and it was all thanks to Gordon’s shot and confidence in himself.

Gordon isn’t known as a talented three-point shooter, but when you look at his numbers this season, Monday night’s result isn’t that surprising.

He is shooting 43.6 percent from beyond the arc in 2024-25, far beyond the 29.0 percent last season.

He has obviously put a lot of time into perfecting his shot, and it’s paying off.

Now the Thunder will have to constantly worry about Gordon, keeping an eye on him to ensure he doesn’t produce another bucket like this.

They were already worried about Jokic and Jamal Murray, and now they have to consider Gordon too.

The team has had some problems this year, and there have been questions about its future.

But Monday night proved the roster is deeper than some people think, and the chemistry and love between players is strong.

The team’s reaction to Gordon’s shot shows that this Nuggets team enjoys playing together and supports one another in a very real, deep way.

The post Nikola Jokic Used 4 Words To Describe Aaron Gordon appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-used-4-words-to-describe-aaron-gordon/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Aaron Gordon Gives Honest Thoughts About His Game-Winning Shot On Monday

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets pulled off one of the most remarkable wins of the season, and it came from an unlikely place.

The Nuggets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the second round on Monday, and it was all thanks to Aaron Gordon.

With just nine seconds left, Denver was down by one point, and Gordon received the ball, putting up a three-pointer as the clock raced down.

The ball found the net, the Nuggets went up by two points, and the game was theirs.

Following this massive win, Gordon spoke with ESPN about his shot and if he felt it would go in.

“When I shot it, did I know it was in?” Gordon mused after the Nuggets’ 121-119 win over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series. “I knew it wasn’t a miss.”

This was not the way the game was supposed to end.

Even the most diehard Denver fan thought their team was going to have a tough time getting past OKC, who are the most dominant squad in the NBA.

The Nuggets have had very little time to recover from their hard-fought series against the Los Angeles Clippers, and they were playing on the road.

Most people assumed the first game of this series would be given to the Thunder.

Gordon, a talented star, isn’t necessarily known for his three-point shooting, but this is something he has been working on over the years.

All that time in the gym practicing his shot has paid off because he just created one of the most impressive shots of his career.

The Nuggets now hold a 1-0 lead in the series, and the Thunder are stunned.

He has proven that his team, counted out multiple times this season, still has fight in them and shouldn’t be written off.

Gordon quite literally silenced Thunder on Monday night.

The post Aaron Gordon Gives Honest Thoughts About His Game-Winning Shot On Monday appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/aaron-g...oughts-about-his-game-winning-shot-on-monday/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Coach Reveals What Team Needs To Correct In Game 3

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

After a resounding win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, the Denver Nuggets came back down to Earth in a big way on Wednesday.

They were not just defeated; they were obliterated by 43 points.

Following that humbling loss, interim head coach David Adelman talked about what went wrong.

“It comes down to the mentality of how we play tomorrow. And we had a great mentality in Game 1. People can say, ‘Oh, you were behind in Game 1, too.’ But it never felt like we let go of the rope. And yesterday I felt we let go of the rope and I felt they also played at an extremely high level,” Adelman said of all the things the Nuggets need to correct.

The Thunder came out of the gate swinging, intent on erasing their painful defeat in Game 1.

The Nuggets never really had a chance, and they were behind all night long.

Oklahoma City showed the world why they are favorites to win the West and, right now, the entire playoffs.

Thankfully, the Nuggets stole Game 1 because this was a humiliating defeat that would usually be hard to bounce back from.

The team got together on Thursday, talked about where things went off track, and vowed to make it right in Game 3.

Adelman said multiple players took responsibility for their output, and they pledged to get things figured out for the next game.

Luckily for them, Game 3 will be held in Denver, which will add a bit of wind in their sails.

They need it because this was an embarrassing loss, especially for a playoff game.

Adelman said his team let go of the rope and didn’t perform at an “extremely high level.”

Can they change that in front of their home crowd on Friday night?

The post Nuggets Coach Reveals What Team Needs To Correct In Game 3 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-coach-reveals-what-team-needs-to-correct-in-game-3/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Stat Reveals How 4 Nuggets Players Have Been Consistent In Playoffs

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets were a huge headache for the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday for a number of reasons.

It wasn’t just one star who was shining brightly for the Nuggets, and that’s why they pulled off an enormous 113-104 overtime victory.

According to NBA.com/Stats, Friday’s game marked just the fifth time that the Nuggets have had four players score 20+ points in a playoff game.

Jamal Murray scored 27 points, Aaron Gordon put up 22, Michael Porter Jr. posted 21, and Nikola Jokic was good for 20 points of his own.

This is just the second time that these four stars have put up more than 20 points in a postseason match.

Tonight's game marks just the fifth instance that the Nuggets have had four players score 20+ points in a playoff game…

…. It's the second time that it's been Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon

#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google https://t.co/qF0tJyhOrS

— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) May 10, 2025

Earlier in the season, some Nuggets fans said it felt like Jokic was carrying the team.

They didn’t see enough output from other stars, and there were serious concerns about how the team would go far in the playoffs.

When Michael Malone was fired, those same fans didn’t know what interim coach David Adelman would do.

He has spread the responsibility around the roster and has demanded more from multiple players.

That is paying off right now because the Nuggets hold a 2-1 lead over the Thunder.

But that doesn’t mean the job is done, and the Nuggets will need multiple players to keep contributing these big numbers in the days ahead.

These four have now done it several times, but can they do it again?

If so, the Thunder will have a hard time rebounding and evening the series.

If the Nuggets want to topple the best team in the West, they will have to keep asking a lot from this group.

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Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stat-reveals-how-4-nuggets-players-have-been-consistent-in-playoffs/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Coach Has High Praise For Michael Porter Jr.’s Performance

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Has Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets found his footing again?

He went off on Friday night, scoring 21 points and eight rebounds while going 7-of-10 from the floor and 5-of-6 from beyond the three-point line on the way to his team’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Following the game, head coach David Adelman spoke at length about Porter.

“Really good to see [Michael Porter Jr.] make some big shots. The way [the Thunder] are guarding, why they’re one of the best defensive teams in the league, they’re taking away the paint. So, we’ve got to be able to knock down open shots, and when Michael’s making shots, it makes the court feel that much bigger. Proud of him,” Adelman said.

Denver head coach David Adelman praises Michael Porter Jr. postgame for carrying over confidence from the end of Game 2 into tonight!

MPJ in a Game 3 OT win:

21 points

8 rebounds

7-10 from the floor, 5-6 from downtown pic.twitter.com/oAwnS4ECyC

— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2025

What a difference a few days make.

Earlier in this series, Porter was only putting up single digits, and people were questioning if he was going to contribute any more to his team.

Adelman believes that Porter has turned a corner, and he is now expecting more great things from him in the days ahead.

The Nuggets are feeling great right now because they have taken a 2-1 lead over the Thunder.

There was a time when OKC looked unstoppable and like the odds-on favorites to win the West and go all the way to the Finals.

They still have a chance, of course, but the Nuggets have brought them down a notch or two.

Denver has done this through the hard work of several stars.

Their roster is looking deeper than it has in a long time, especially when Porter has a night like he did on Friday.

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[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Shows Off New Look

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

As Sunday’s Game 4 approached, the Denver Nuggets held a 2-1 edge over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Denver secured wins in Games 1 and 3, while Oklahoma City erupted in Game 2, handing the Nuggets a stunning 43-point loss.

Through it all, Nikola Jokic has been productive with 79 points, 46 rebounds, and 18 assists across the series so far.

Despite these numbers, Jokic has faced challenges. The Serbian center committed 21 turnovers and struggled mightily in the blowout loss, shooting just 8-for-25 from the field.

Looking to turn the page before Game 4, Jokic arrived sporting a brand new haircut, potentially signaling his desire to reset and refocus.

“Nikola Jokić got a haircut,” Nuggets reporter Katy Winge noted.

Nikola Jokić got a haircut pic.twitter.com/4ijkDZ98A9

— Katy Winge (@katywinge) May 11, 2025

This style change follows an attention grabbing outfit before Game 3, when Jokic fully embraced his “Joker” nickname.

For Game 4, he opted for a different approach, trimming not only his hair but also his beard and goatee. The makeover, however, did not translate to immediate success on the court against the Thunder.

Jokic started unusually quiet, failing to score at all during the first quarter.

This marked his first scoreless opening period in this year’s playoffs. He eventually found some rhythm, finishing the first half with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.

Despite remaining active on both ends, his early scoring absence became a noticeable storyline as Oklahoma City took a halftime lead.

With the series scheduled to return to Oklahoma City for Game 5, NBA fans remain fixated not just on the competitive matchup but also on Jokic’s new appearance as he seeks to lead Denver to another conference finals.

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Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-shows-off-new-look/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Insider Believes 1 Nuggets Star Must ‘Rediscover’ Shooting Touch

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder has been intense, scrappy, and full of many ups and downs for both teams.

But who will come out on top and head to the Western Conference Finals?

Writing for ESPN, Tim MacMahon highlighted how the Nuggets could take this series to seven games, and he said it requires Nikola Jokic to look like his regular self again.

“Nikola Jokic rediscovers his shooting touch in one of the next two games,” MacMahon answered when asked what the Nuggets needed to do to force Game 7 against the Thunder. “The three-time MVP is in an unprecedented funk, shooting under 40% from the floor in three consecutive games with at least 15 attempts for the first time in his career (regular season or playoffs), according to ESPN Research. Jokic, one of the most efficient superstars in NBA history, shot 33.3% during that three-game stretch, and he has more turnovers than assists in the series.”

Everyone knew the Nuggets would have a tough time in this matchup because the Thunder are no joke.

They have a top-ranked defense that just doesn’t quit, and they placed a massive target on Jokic’s back.

So far, they have done everything in their power to make him feel like a limited, inconsequential player.

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t helped his Nuggets a lot, but he doesn’t look like the MVP-caliber player he is night after night during the regular season.

Most shocking are the number of mistakes he has made, racking up many turnovers and not looking as confident and solid as he usually does.

If Jokic can get back on track and put these problems behind him, the Thunder will be in trouble.

They have their game plan – minimize Jokic – and it’s working right now.

The post Insider Believes 1 Nuggets Star Must ‘Rediscover’ Shooting Touch appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/insider-believes-1-nuggets-star-must-rediscover-shooting-touch/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Reveals Thoughts On Offensive Struggles In Game 4

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Once again, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets had a tough game on Sunday.

And, once again, it cost his team dearly.

Following the game, he was quoted by ESPN about his performance and how the Oklahoma City Thunder have been “shrinking” him throughout this series.

“It’s a little bit of everything,” said Jokic, who has a 19-to-23 assist-to-turnover ratio after dishing out a postseason-low three assists Sunday. “They’re playing really good defense on me. They’re really into my body, physical. I think I missed two or three open looks night, so it’s a little bit of everything. They’re shrinking the floor on me. They’re having a guy behind the defender, so it’s a bit of everything. I need to do a better job, of course, but it’s part of the game.”

The numbers may be deceptive because Jokic scored a robust 27 points during Sunday’s Game 4.

He also contributed 13 rebounds as well.

But he was 7-of-22 from the floor and also missed a pair of important free throws when the Nuggets were trailing by four points with a bit more than three minutes remaining.

He was 2-of-7 from the floor and 1-of-4 from the free throw line during the closing quarter of the game.

Because the final score was so close, his mistakes look even more severe and costly.

Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his Thunder were looking much more energized and in a good headspace.

Jokic knows that the Thunder are getting the best of him, and he can see what has gone wrong.

But does he have the ability to turn the tide and bounce back?

The series is now tied, and Jokic will have to find a way to battle harder against this youthful Thunder team.

He is still a giant of the NBA, but lately, he’s looked much smaller.

The post Nikola Jokic Reveals Thoughts On Offensive Struggles In Game 4 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-reveals-thoughts-on-offensive-struggles-in-game-4/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Jamal Murray Says 1 Nuggets Star Is Always ‘Ready For The Moment’

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets scored another huge win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, and, once again, Aaron Gordon was a vital part of it.

He scored a crucial game-tying three-pointer with less than 30 seconds, which led to overtime and, eventually, an incredible win for his team.

Following the game, Jamal Murray praised Gordon and talked about how he’s always “ready.”

“I told [Aaron Gordon] he’s like 7-for-7 with under three seconds in a game. Just being ready for the moment. He’s just always ready. Obviously, [he] puts in the work in to get there. AG’s always ready for the moment,” Murray said, via NBA on X.

"AG is always ready for the moment."@BeMore27 gives flowers to @Double0AG postgame after he hit the OT-forcing shot that led to the win!

DEN leads 2-1… Game 4 is Sunday at 3:30pm/et on ABC

pic.twitter.com/MZl1yJafke

— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2025

Gordon definitely has been “ready” throughout these playoffs, and this is the third time that he has scored such a basket, which either led to a win or tied the game.

He might not look like it, but Gordon has become a clutch shooter, and the Nuggets are relying on him more and more for that specialty.

Gordon has been shining brightly during the postseason, which is exactly what the Nuggets need.

They were counted out just weeks ago when they fired head coach Michael Malone right before the start of the playoffs.

But they are now close to taking down the top team in the Western Conference.

Several players in the lineup have done great work for Denver, but Gordon has been one of the most consistent.

When his team has needed him most, he has not shied away from stepping up and producing monster moments that have assured victory.

He is ready for this moment, but he will need to stay ready if the Nuggets wish to get beyond the Thunder and go all the way to the Finals.

The post Jamal Murray Says 1 Nuggets Star Is Always ‘Ready For The Moment’ appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jamal-murray-says-1-nuggets-star-is-always-ready-for-the-moment/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Joins Exclusive NBA Playoff Company With Impressive Stats

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets tried his hardest on Tuesday night, but his team was still taken down by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The loss hurts, but at least Jokic made history during Game 5.

According to NBA.com/Stats, Jokic became just the eighth player in league history to record 40+ points and 15+ rebounds multiple times during a single postseason.

He joins the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and Bob McAdoo.

Nikola Jokić becomes the 8th player in NBA history to record 40+ points and 15+ rebounds multiple times in a single postseason series joining…

Wilt Chamberlain (4x)
Shaquille O'Neal (2x)
Elgin Baylor (2x)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Hakeem Olajuwon
Charles Barkley
Bob McAdoo pic.twitter.com/M1QwcaYVUk

— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) May 14, 2025

On Tuesday, it was 44 points and 15 rebounds for Jokic, along with five assists and two steals.

This was a great showing by Jokic and much better than what he was doing just days before.

Believe it or not, Jokic was in a slump before this game.

His field goal percentage was weak, and he was performing more turnovers than assists.

He looked much more like his regular self during Tuesday’s game, and Nuggets fans are hoping he keeps it that way.

Jokic’s greatness has never been in question, even during his few subpar games.

He is still considered one of the best basketball players alive, and he often has the ability to carry the team on his back.

He did that several times throughout the regular season, but the playoffs have presented a few challenges.

Lately, the Nuggets have looked more cohesive, which has given fans hope, but everyone believes they need a strong Jokic if they want any chance of a title.

Jokic has now made NBA history yet again, which is unquestionably a great thing.

But all NBA fans know that Jokic doesn’t care about that.

Instead, he wants another championship, and, right now, it’s not clear if that’s possible.

The post Nikola Jokic Joins Exclusive NBA Playoff Company With Impressive Stats appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-joins-exclusive-nba-playoff-company-with-impressive-stats/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals Expectations For Nuggets In Game 6

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

It was a tough, intense, bruising fight, but the Oklahoma City Thunder came out on top over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.

But just because the Thunder scored another big win doesn’t mean the Nuggets are out of energy.

In fact, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander thinks they are going to rebound in a big way for the upcoming Game 6.

When asked what to expect from Denver in the next game, Gilgeous-Alexander was honest.

“Their greatest punch. I’m sure they don’t wanna go home just as bad as we don’t. We’re probably getting their best game,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, via Clemente Almanza on X.

SGA on what to expect from the Nuggets in Game 6: “Their greatest punch. I’m sure they don’t wanna go home just as bad as we don’t. We’re probably getting their best game.”

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 14, 2025

The Thunder are now just one win away from moving on to the Western Conference Finals, and the Nuggets are well aware of that.

That means Denver needs to pull out all the stops and fight like their lives depend on it, because they do.

There were some signs of brilliance from the Nuggets on Tuesday.

For example, Nikola Jokic was looking much better and put up 44 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, shooting 17-of-25 from the field.

Jamal Murray was also fantastic with his 28 points, although his shooting percentage wasn’t as high as Jokic’s.

Game 5 almost went to the Nuggets, which would have completely changed the narrative between these two teams.

The series is returning to Denver, which will give the Nuggets an even bigger incentive to play hard.

Gilgeous-Alexander is expecting his foes to come out swinging, and they may show fans the best game of the postseason.

If they don’t, it might all be over.

The Nuggets plan to battle in Game 6, but the Thunder will do the same.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals Expectations For Nuggets In Game 6 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/shai-gilgeous-alexander-reveals-expectations-for-nuggets-in-game-6/