Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets suffered a 117-108 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. It was their second straight loss, and the Nuggets are 4-6 in their last 10 games. It has been a tough stretch of games for the team, but Jokic sees it as a positive.
Jokic did everything he could with his 35 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Despite his all-around game, it wasn’t enough to give the Nuggets their 38th win of the 2025-26 NBA season.
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After the contest, the three-time MVP had an unexpected take on Denver’s loss.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
(Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
“I think it’s a good thing to happen, you know,” Jokic said. “Then you’re gonna start worrying, you’re gonna start caring, probably, more. I think the struggle is good. If you fail, I think it’s good… you’re gonna play a little bit harder and better.”
While it has been a challenging stretch for the Nuggets, they are still among the top teams in the Western Conference. Denver sits in fifth place in the standings, with a 37-24 record.
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Jokic and his team will face the Utah Jazz for a second time this season on Monday. In their season series against the Jazz, the Nuggets have faced them only once of the four games they are set to play. The team defeated Utah 135-112 in their first encounter.
Jamal Murray Shares Nikola Jokic’s Optimism
Although things haven’t gone their way, it’s not time to hit the panic button. That is, according to the Nuggets’ stars: Jokic and Jamal Murray. The Canadian point guard, who had 25 points and four assists, remains optimistic and shared it with the media.
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“It’s frustrating, it’s uncharacteristic,” Murray said. “But it’s okay. Once we get healthy and figure it out, we’ll be fine.
“We’ll be good. I’m excited for what’s in store for us.”
The Nuggets stars have maintained their optimism, including head coach David Adelman. According to the coach, he believes that the team has been competitive all season long. However, Adelman mentioned that Denver’s performance and effort against the Wolves were disappointing. He called the players’ efforts “not good enough.”
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The coach said that the Nuggets have not had issues with their effort all year. However, given that the regular season is almost over and the team’s performance would determine their postseason advantage, he advised them not to let up.
Related: Nikola Jokic Calls Out Lu Dort After Flagrant Foul
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.