The Denver Nuggets may be two years removed from being NBA champions, but Charles Barkley feels the league hasn’t done them any favors this postseason run.
On Sunday’s edition of “Inside the NBA,” the Hall of Fame TNT personality sounded off on the league’s treatment of the Nuggets when it comes to how it scheduled Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
“I thought what the NBA did to them was unfair,” Barkley began. “Making them play late Friday night and then an early afternoon game [on Sunday]. I thought that was unfair. I truly believe that.”
Charles Barkley: “I thought what the NBA did [to the Nuggets] was unfair. Making them play late Friday night, then an early afternoon… OKC [has more depth]… I don’t think it’s fair to blame everything on [Nikola Jokić], but he has not played well & I think he’s wearing down.” pic.twitter.com/qL96XM4WiD
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 12, 2025
When partner Kenny Smith pointed out that both teams had to deal with the same schedule, Barkley shot back: “Yeah, but they got more depth. OKC got 12 players.”
“Well, play more guys,” fellow analyst Jalen Rose chimed-in.
“Well, that’s on Denver,” Chuck admitted. “But also, Denver has never addressed their backup center situation or their bench. I think that’s one of the things that hurt them last year. Because he [Nikola Jokic] gave out of gas last year against Rudy [Gobert] and big KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns). So I don’t think it’s fair to blame everything on the Joker, but he has not played well and I think he’s wearing down.”
Whether or not it’s “unfair” is certainly up for interpretation. But with the load Jokic is forced to carry on a nightly basis it wouldn’t be a surprising to see him potentially wear down.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The three-time MVP has arguably been at the top of his game this season. And while his numbers have dipped a bit from his 42-point Game 1 performance, the series is still tied up 2-2 as the series shifts back to Oklahoma City.
The Nuggets have a night off ahead of a pivotal Game 5 before returning to Ball Arena for Game 6 on Thursday later this week.
Jokic is averaging 26.5 points per game in the semis to go along with 14.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and two steals.
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