Nuggets ‘Not Even Close’ To Where They’re Supposed To Be, Nikola Jokic Says

Nikola Jokic didn’t mince words after the Denver Nuggets’ 149-135 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, a game in which the Nuggets’ defense was completely overwhelmed.

Denver, which fell to 16-13 on the season, was torched for a franchise-worst 149 points, including 20 made 3-pointers from the Cavs, a feat only one other team has accomplished in NBA history.

“We’re not even close to where we’re supposed to be,” Jokic told the Denver Post, summing up the frustration of a team struggling to find consistency. “But I think, for how bad we’ve played, I think we’re in a good spot.”

Despite the loss, which dropped the Nuggets to 8-5 at home, Jokic’s words reflect a bittersweet optimism. The Nuggets have been inconsistent, yes, but Jokic recognizes that they still sit in a competitive position. However, it’s becoming clear that Denver’s issues are hard to ignore, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Cleveland was dominant, and Jokic’s frustration with the team’s defensive lapses was palpable.

Jokic has long been the heart of Denver’s offense, but it’s clear that even his brilliance can’t mask the cracks in the defense. With the Nuggets’ defensive shortcomings continuing to surface in high-profile losses like this one, questions loom over the team’s roster construction.

The Cavs’ offense lit up Denver in a way that exposed the Nuggets’ defensive struggles –something that has been an ongoing issue this season. Jokic and the Nuggets, despite their early-season inconsistency, will need to figure things out if they hope to contend in a loaded Western Conference.

As Jokic noted, Denver is still in a “good spot” considering their struggles, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that more help — particularly on defense — is needed. The season is still young, but the urgency for change in Denver is building.

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