Fri May 16 00:10:00 UTC 2025: **Nuggets’ Supporting Cast Fails to Capitalize on Jokic’s Passes as Thunder Lead Series 3-2**
DENVER – Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ superstar center and arguably the best passing big man in NBA history, is facing a major hurdle in the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite Jokic’s efforts to create opportunities, his teammates have struggled to convert, contributing to the Nuggets’ 3-2 series deficit against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Throughout the regular season, Jokic averaged a remarkable 10.2 assists per game. In the first round of the playoffs, he continued his stellar playmaking, averaging 10.1 assists against the LA Clippers. But in the current series, Jokic’s assist numbers have plummeted to just 5.2 per game.
The issue isn’t Jokic’s performance. He’s still generating opportunities, averaging 14.8 potential assists per game (passes to a teammate who shoots within one dribble). In Game 5, he dished out 20 potential assists, but only five turned into actual assists.
The blame falls on the Nuggets’ supporting cast, who have missed numerous open shots. In Game 5, the Nuggets shot a dismal 4-23 on wide-open shots. On open shots the Nuggets went 6-20. Jamal Murray struggled, going 2-8, and Michael Porter Jr. has been mired in a slump.
Jamal Murray was added to the official injury report a few hours before tip-off of Game 6.
With the Nuggets facing elimination in Game 6 at home, the team needs to get back to playing team basketball.
First Piper 