The Denver Nuggets need to strengthen their defense after a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, according to Serbian star Nikola Joki.
The Nuggets must improve to overcome consecutive losses; they have lost three of their previous four games and are no longer the dominant team they were at the start of the season.
Jokic produced an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Cavaliers on Sunday, as well as seven assists, one steal, and one block. In Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, he lasted 28 minutes.
After four straight defeats on the road, Nikola Jokic is seeking team improvements to counter ‘stagnant’ offense and ‘really bad’ defense #NBASundayshttps://t.co/lvonmTIOyb
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) November 20, 2023
He stated after the game,
“They were simply superior. They were getting all they wanted in the offensive glass, paint.”
Speaking to the media this week, Jokic blamed the team’s defense for the losses, giving a brutally honest statement regarding the Nuggets’ team defense.
As he talked about the impending game at Little Caesars Arena, he said,
“Winning would be nice.” Maybe you could play a little better and obtain more open shots. I believe we have been playing somewhat stagnantly lately. Perhaps a little more defensive movement. Our defense is currently atrocious.”
The club started the season 8-1 but has since lost three of four games to the New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic.
Evidently, in all four games lost, the Nuggets’ opponents averaged roughly 116 points per game, ranking them around 23rd in the NBA in defensive rating.
Along with Slovenian Vlatko Cancar, who could miss the entire 2023-24 season, Michael Malone’s club is also missing Jamal Murray.
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