May 13, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) talks to an official after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic's Honest Statement After Nuggets-Thunder Game 5

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated May 14, 2025 1:42 AM ET

The Denver Nuggets have a chance to establish themselves as one of the best teams of the 2020s if they can win their second NBA Championship of the decade. However, they got to make it through the Oklahoma City Thunder first, who threw a wrench in their plans on Tuesday night.

Despite a historic performance from Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets allowed a fourth-quarter comeback from the Thunder as they fell 112-105. Now with their backs against the wall heading into Game 6, the Nuggets will continue to rely on Jokic after his 44-point outing. Speaking after the game, Jokic shared an honest statement about his and the team's performance.

"I think we had the looks that we wanted to have" -Nikola Jokić

Jokić talks about the offense so far this series ️️#MileHighPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/hwQpRgwJJk
— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) May 14, 2025

"We are getting open looks, and that's the only [thing you can] think about...Didn't do it this time...but I think we had the looks we wanted to have," Jokic said following Denver's 28.3% shooting from beyond the arc. Take away Jokic's five-for-seven mark, the Nuggets were down to 20.5%.

On top of that, Jokic added about his own performance, scoring 44 points and having 15 rebounds. “I mean, the ball is going in. I made five threes tonight. That helps.” Jokic's five made three-pointers are tied for the second-most he's made in his playoff career, with 2020 vs the Utah Jazz in Game 5 being first with seven makes.

Nikola Jokic on his 44-burger:
“I mean the ball is going in. I made five threes tonight. That helps.”

On the confidence to win two in a row:
“We’re not gonna just give them game six. We’re playing in front of our crowd. Series is close.” pic.twitter.com/0zT7J44F5g
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) May 14, 2025

While the Nuggets will need the rest of their team to step it up for Game 6, facing elimination, they won't be able to do so without Jokic yet again. The series returns to Denver on Thursday with tip-off set for 8:30 p.m. EST.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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