May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) watches Oklahoma City Thunder
guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoot free throws in the second half of game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA
Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Denver nuggets’ quest for back-to-back NBA titles came crashing down last night in a decisive 125-93 Game 7
defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The loss exposed a critical flaw in Denver’s roster construction: an over-reliance
on their starting five and a shallow bench that couldn’t withstand the Thunder’s relentless pressure.
Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets’ two-time MVP, didn’t mince words when assessing his team’s shortcomings, directly
criticizing the team’s rotation strategy. His comments highlight a growing trend in the NBA, where bench depth and
versatility are proving to be just as crucial as star power, especially in the playoffs.
Jokic Sounds Alarm: “You Can’t Expect Efficiency From Players Who Haven’t played.”
The numbers paint a clear picture of Denver’s skewed playing time distribution. During the series, four Nuggets starters
logged heavy minutes: Nikola Jokic and Jamal murray exceeding 40 minutes per game, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun
surpassing 35 minutes. Michael Porter Jr., the fifth starter, averaged just under 30 minutes. According to ESPN stats,
four of Denver’s starters ranked among the most heavily used players in the entire 2025 playoffs.
In stark contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder, boasting a youthful roster with an average age just slightly older than
that of a top NCAA program like the Auburn Tigers, employed a more balanced approach. Onyl Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,
Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren averaged over 30 minutes per game for OKC.this equitable distribution allowed the
Thunder to maintain fresh legs and exploit Denver’s fatigued starters, particularly in the crucial Game 7.
This disparity in minute management ultimately hindered the Nuggets’ bench players from finding their rhythm and making a
meaningful impact.
We have played so long in this way that it is arduous for guys to win against vrey good teams. We cannot asksaid Jokic, according to
someone who has not played more than 20-30 games to disembark and be efficient,
*The Denver Post*.It really looks like it is the teams with a wider rotation and a deeper bench that wins: Indiana,
OKC, Minnesota.
Jokic’s observation echoes a sentiment shared by many NBA analysts: playoff success ofen hinges on a team’s ability to
weather the physical and mental toll of a grueling series.A deep and reliable bench allows starters to rest, adjust to
opponent strategies, and avoid foul trouble, all while maintaining a high level of play. Think of the San Antonio Spurs
dynasty, built on a “team-first” mentality and a deep roster where everyone contributed. Or, more recently, the Toronto
Raptors’ 2019 championship run, fueled by key contributions from players like Fred VanVleet and Serge Ibaka.
Jokic Stands By His honesty, Acknowledges Nuggets’ Shortcomings
Beyond the rotation issues, Denver also faced a challenging playoff bracket, drawing the top-seeded Thunder after a
grueling regular season. The Nuggets were forced to play at a breakneck pace, with games every other day, further
exacerbating their fatigue issues. However, Jokic dismissed any excuses, stating that the Nuggets simply weren’t good
enough to win.
We didn’t do it, so obviously we can’t,said Jokic at a press conference.If we could, we would have won
it. So I don’t know. I do not believe in these stories of “if, if”.We had an prospect, we did not take it, so I
think we can’t.
While some might interpret Jokic’s blunt assessment as defeatist, it reflects his unwavering commitment to honesty and
accountability. He refuses to sugarcoat the team’s failures and acknowledges the need for meaningful changes if the
Nuggets hope to contend for a championship again.
Jamal Murray and the Nuggets vow: “We will be back next year.”
Nikola Jokic, still a dominant force despite the playoff exit!
Looking ahead to next season, the Nuggets face crucial decisions regarding their roster. One potential move involves
exploring a trade for Michael Porter Jr., who struggled mightily against the Thunder, averaging a paltry 7.2 points per
game.The Nuggets appear committed to building around their core of Jokic, gordon, and Murray. Christian Braun,at 24
years old,is also expected to remain a key part of the team’s future,given his promising performances and potential for
growth.A Porter Jr. trade could bring back valuable assets, allowing the Nuggets to bolster their bench and inject some
youth into the roster. David Adelman is rumored to be in line for the head coaching position next year.
Another pressing need for Denver is finding a reliable backup center to spell Jokic. the series against the Thunder
underscored the importance of having a capable reserve who can provide quality minutes and prevent Jokic from being
overburdened. This is similar to how the Los Angeles Lakers used Dwight Howard to support Anthony Davis during their 2020
championship run.
The Nuggets’ playoff exit serves as a stark reminder that a star-studded starting five is not enough to guarantee
success in the modern NBA. Building a deep, versatile, and resilient roster is paramount. The Nuggets’ front office faces
a busy offseason as they look to address their weaknesses and re-emerge as a championship contender in 2026. What moves
will they make? That’s the question on every Nuggets fan’s mind.
Photo credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The shocking defeat highlighted a significant discrepancy in performance between the starters and reserves. To further
illustrate this point, here’s a comparative look at the Nuggets’ starters’ playing time versus the Thunder’s starting
lineup, along with key bench contributions:
| Player | Position | Avg. Minutes (DEN) | Avg. Minutes (OKC) | Key Bench Contributors (OKC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic | Center | 41.2 | N/A | N/A |
| Jamal Murray | Guard | 40.5 | N/A | N/A |
| Aaron Gordon | Forward | 36.8 | N/A | N/A |
| Michael Porter Jr. | Forward | ~30 | N/A | N/A |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Guard | N/A | 34.7 | Luguentz Dort (26.4) |
| jalen Williams | Forward | N/A | 33.5 | Isaiah Joe (20.1) |
| Chet Holmgren | Center | N/A | 32.1 | Aaron Wiggins (18.6) |
Note: Minute averages are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the source. The absence of OKC players’ minute
averages in the initial columns reflects the balanced distribution across the roster.
This analysis underscores the core issue: Denver’s reliance on its starters meant a significant drop-off when they rested.
This is what Nikola Jokic alluded to, referencing the importance of bench depth as a crucial element in
playoff success. The Thunder, conversely, displayed superior roster depth, effectively utilizing their
bench to maintain a consistent level of play and keep their starters fresh.This strategy ultimately proved decisive.
FAQ: Nuggets’ Playoff Defeat and Future Prospects
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning the Nuggets’ playoff loss and their outlook for the future, answered for
our readers with authority and detailed facts.
Why did the Denver Nuggets lose to the oklahoma City Thunder?
The Nuggets’ defeat stemmed from a combination of factors.The Thunder’s superior bench depth wore down Denver’s
starters, who were heavily relied upon due to a lack of effective reserves. Fatigue, a tough playoff schedule, and
injuries also contributed to the Nuggets’ downfall.Oklahoma City’s strategic approach to minute distribution allowed
them to maintain a consistent level of play, ultimately exposing the Nuggets’ weaknesses.
What did Nikola Jokic say about the Nuggets’ loss?
Nikola Jokic was candid in his assessment of the Nuggets’ shortcomings. He emphasized the team’s over-reliance on a
small group of players and criticized their rotation strategy.Jokic highlighted the importance of a deep bench,
pointing out that the teams with deeper rosters often succeed in the playoffs. He didn’t shy away from highlighting
the fact that the team did not work and also they could.
What changes does the team need to make?
The Nuggets must prioritize bolstering their bench and finding a reliable backup center.A potential trade involving
Michael Porter Jr. could free up assets to address these needs. Moreover, the coaching staff will likely need to
explore innovative strategies for managing minutes and ensuring a more balanced offensive attack.
Will the Nuggets return to championship contention next season?
The Nuggets, with Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr.as the core, certainly have the potential to contend again. Though,
their success hinges on making significant roster improvements and refinements to their playing style. Addressing the
issues of bench depth and player distribution will be critical in their quest to return to the NBA Finals.
What is the significance of bench depth in the NBA playoffs?
Bench depth is vital in the playoffs because it allows teams to weather the physical and mental toll of a
grueling series. It provides rest for starters, allowing them to avoid foul trouble and adjust to opponent strategies. A
deep bench ensures a consistent level of play,giving teams a competitive edge.
The Nuggets’ early exit serves as a harsh lesson, underscoring the changing landscape of the modern NBA.Building a
championship team requires more then just superstar talent; it demands a cohesive unit with depth, versatility, and the
ability to adapt. The upcoming offseason will be pivotal for Denver as they seek to address their weaknesses and reclaim
their throne in the Western Conference. As Nuggets fans eagerly await the moves, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the
developments, providing expert analysis and insights every step of the way.
Keywords: Nikola Jokic,Denver Nuggets,NBA Playoffs,Oklahoma City thunder,Bench Depth,Roster Construction,Jamal
Murray,Michael Porter Jr., NBA championship, NBA Finals.
