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Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport
For the second season in a row, the Nuggets were eliminated after a Game 7 in the conference semi-finals. While Nikola Jokic remains an exceptional player, the squad surrounding him raises questions. In fact, the three-time MVP was very honest about the level of his team.
It was the most eagerly awaited game of the season, but the suspense only lasted half a minute. Indeed, this Sunday, the mythical series between the Thunder and the Nuggets came to an end with a match that was far from the standards established up to now. Between injuries and the fatigue of another Game 7, Denver clearly didn’t have enough fuel left in the tank.
As a result, after a promising start full of skill, Nikola Jokic and his partners were overwhelmed by the physical intensity of their opponents. While some may point to a two-tiered refereeing system, notably with Alex Caruso in glue pot mode on the triple MVP, the Nuggets were unable to respond to the problems posed by their hosts.
Nikola Jokic not convinced by the Nuggets’ level of play
Like all eliminated franchises, Denver will enter the summer with the desire to improve and therefore the need to make some big decisions. What to do with Russell Westbrook, who could activate his player option? What to do with the disappointing Michael Porter Jr. In a press conference, Nikola Jokic was very clear about the current state of his team.
We haven’t won a second title with this base, so obviously we don’t have the level to be champions again. If we’d had the ability, we’d have won. I don’t believe in “ifs”. We’ve had several opportunities and we haven’t won a second ring. I don’t think we can do it.
If the Nuggets had the level and the squad to win a second title after 2023, then they would have done it. Nikola Jokic, with his very pragmatic mind, therefore believes that the team, as currently constructed, no longer has the means to make noise in the Western Conference. The new GM will have his work cut out to reverse the trend and take advantage of his Joker’s final seasons of prime.
While Aaron Gordon has proved his worth with a few clutch shots, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter will undoubtedly have to be opened up between now and the start of the new season. The former stands out for his chronic inconsistency, which is a handicap for a point guard who is supposed to take the game by storm, while the latter is not progressing as expected. It promises to be an eventful summer!
