'We should point the thumb, not the finger' - Nikola Jokic calls for accountability amid Denver Nuggets struggles

The Nuggets' main issues are on defense

Offensively, Denver has been good this year. Although they rank 27th in the league in long-range shooting, with 11.6 three-pointers made per game, the Nuggets are third in the league in scoring, averaging 119.3 points per contest. They are also third in field goal percentage (49.6).

However, Denver hasn't been good on the other side of the floor, ranking only 18th in defensive rating and 23rd in points allowed per game. The Nuggets allow the most assists per game and give up the second-most two-point field goals. One reason for these struggles is a lack of rim protection—they are 24th in the league with 4.6 blocks per game, with no one on the team averaging more than 0.9 blocks.

Jokic is aware of these issues. But despite showing optimism, he called for accountability.

"We need to start thinking what I can do for this team to help, not what the team can do to help me. Is it screening? Is it rolling or passing? Is it rebounding? Is it playing defense? We should point the thumb, not the finger. That's the quote of the day," added the Serbian.

Wasting Jokic's career year

"The Joker" posted another triple-double against Cleveland on Friday with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. But it was not enough to stop the Cavaliers from winning their sixth game in a row and 10th of their last 11.

Donovan Mitchell had a game-high 33 points and the Denver defense surrendered 149 points. They also allowed the Cavs to hit 23 out of 48 three-pointers. On the other hand, the Nuggets made only 15 three-pointers, which was the big difference in the game.

Despite the loss, Jokic's confidence that his team is still in a good spot should make the rest of the roster happy. But they better step up their game. Otherwise, they might waste Nikola's best statistical season ever.