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Par Joël Pütz | Journaliste sportif
Nikola Jokic, who has been struggling lately, was once again at his worst in Game 4, losing to Oklahoma City. Charles Barkley pointed out a particularly troublesome factor for the Serbian superstar during this series.
From the first round, it was clear that the Nuggets’ playoff run was going to be tough. It took seven games to separate the 2023 champion from the Clippers, with the two franchises going toe-to-toe in an incredible matchup. And it looks like the series against the Thunder is heading in the same direction.
After four games, the score is 2-2 between Denver and Oklahoma City. But this time, there’s more reason to be concerned about Colorado’s players, and Nikola Jokic in particular. The three-time MVP has struggled to dominate on the court, and while he’s usually so adept at shooting and passing the ball, the last few games have seen him struggle against the Thunder’s defense.
Charles Barkley denounces the Nuggets’ hellish schedule
Last night, the Serbian center certainly compiled 27 points and 13 rebounds, but he shot only 7/22 formt the field, with only three assists. When he plays like this, the entire Nuggets offense is left with a slump… Charles Barkley also pointed out the superstar’s obvious exhaustion in Inside The NBA:
I thought what the NBA did to them was unfair. Making them play late Friday night, then an early afternoon game, I thought that was unfair (…) Denver has never addressed their backup center situation or their bench, I think that’s one of the things that hurt them last year. Because he (Jokic) gave out of gas last year against Rudy (Gobert) and (Karl Anthony Towns).
So I don’t think it’s fair to blame everything on the Joker, but he has not played well, and I think he’s wearing down.
It’s a fact: Jokic doesn’t really have a backup at center. DeAndre Jordan isn’t exactly a reliable option to relieve him for several minutes…
However, don’t count on the Denver franchise player to point the finger at his teammates or anything else. True to form, the Sombor native offered a brief but resounding self-criticism after the game:
I need to do a better job.
