The Denver Nuggets find themselves in an unexpected fight. After four games, their Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder is tied 2-2. The biggest surprise? The recent string of Nikola Jokić struggles. Known for his efficient offense and unselfish play, Jokić now faces one of the most difficult stretches of his career.
Fatigue, Hartenstein, And An Unsung Hero Fueling Nikola Jokić’s Struggles
A Rough Shooting Stretch for the MVP
Jokić scored 27 points in Game 4, but his efficiency told a different story. He went just 7-of-22 from the field and missed two key free throws late in the game. For the first time in his career, Jokić has shot below 40% in three straight games where he attempted at least 15 shots. Over the past three contests, he has gone 21-of-63 from the field—just 33.3%.
These Nikola Jokić struggles have come at a surprising time, especially after he dropped 42 points in the series opener. However, since then, his shooting and passing have both suffered. His assist-to-turnover ratio sits at 19 to 23. He managed just three assists in Game 4, his lowest of the postseason.
The Role of Fatigue and Tough Defense
This grueling playoff schedule may have played a role. The Nuggets just wrapped up a seven-game battle with the Clippers before facing the Thunder. Game 4 marked Denver’s seventh game in 13 days. Jokić logged 43 minutes, following a 44-minute effort in Game 3.
Despite the fatigue factor, Jokić has refused to use it as an excuse. “When I play, I don’t think about that,” he said.
The Thunder, meanwhile, have applied relentless physical pressure. Their defense has crowded Jokić with size, double-teams, and smart rotations. Oklahoma City’s strategy has paid off, frustrating Denver’s star center with every possession.
Isaiah Hartenstein: The Tactical Switch That Changed the Series
Initially, Chet Holmgren matched up with Jokić in Game 1. Jokić exploited that matchup, scoring 42 points while bullying the lighter Holmgren inside. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault adjusted quickly. In came Isaiah Hartenstein.
Since taking over as Jokić’s primary defender, Hartenstein has held him to just 13-of-32 shooting. In Game 4 alone, Jokić went 3-of-10 with Hartenstein guarding him. The big man has done more than just hold his ground. He’s stayed disciplined, using his length and physicality to wear down the Serbian superstar.
“We just stay focused on executing our team defense,” Hartenstein said. “Jokić will hit tough shots, but we stay disciplined.”
This defensive shift represents the most visible factor behind the recent Nikola Jokić struggles.
The Jaylin Williams Factor: An Unexpected Hero
While Hartenstein has earned praise, another name deserves recognition—Jaylin Williams. Often overlooked, Williams has had a tremendous impact guarding Jokić. In his minutes as primary defender, Jokić is just 5-of-18 from the field.
That’s a shooting percentage of just 27.8%.
His impact goes beyond shot contests. Against Williams, Jokić has more turnovers than assists—just two assists to four turnovers. That’s a rare stat line for one of the game’s best passers.
Williams barely played in Game 1. However, after his defensive impact became clear, the Thunder coaching staff increased his minutes significantly. Since then, Jokić’s efficiency has plummeted. He’s endured the worst three-game shooting stretch of his entire NBA career.
Coincidence? Probably not.
Denver Must Continue to Adjust Amid Nikola Jokić’s Struggles
The Nuggets now face a crucial moment as the game heads to Oklahoma. Jokić must find ways to adapt as the thunder continue to throw new defensive wrinkles at him. Denver’s role players must continue to contribute, especially with their superstar struggling. They have already won one game despite his struggles.
If Nikola Jokić’s struggles persist, Denver’s title hopes may evaporate. Fatigue, Hartenstein’s savvy defense, and Williams’ defensive emergence have combined to frustrate the MVP.
Jokić has overcome adversity before. But this time, he faces a team built to challenge every inch of his game. With the series now a best-of-three, how he responds could define the Nuggets’ postseason.
© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The post Fatigue, Hartenstein, And Unsung Hero Fueling Jokić’s Struggles appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.