For the first time, It’s a jokic problem

Leaving the last playoff series against Minnesota in 2023, Denver left that series with one realization. To win, you need to have the bench to get back to the finals.

Nearly two years later, that issue that caused a complete overhaul of Denvers' roster has changed to a new problem. This time, with Jokic himself.

Defense

While being a middling defense for most of the season, making up for it with their elite offense, Minnesota has made this defense look like Wizards level of bad.

Since the beginning of the series, Minnesota has shot 73.8% (19.7-26.7 Shots Per Game) against Jokic when within five feet of the rim. That is the most shots made and attempted this entire postseason so far. Minnesota has seemed to find the cheat code in an already weak defense look like they are complete cones.

Now while Aaron Gordon didn't play game 3, this further showed how vulnerable this defense looks. Multiple times in the game, Denver would have a good offensive possesion, then Minnesota will immediately score on the fast-break.

Offense

While the Nuggets defense has been lackluster for most of the season, Denver has also had the second best offense of all time. That 122.6 PPG in the regular season was able to cover up the defense and injuries. Until Rudy Gobert.

Now while being the main reason the offense for Denver had been bad he is the main catalyst. Since the 1-8 fourth quarter shooting in Game 2, Jokic then shot 7-26 in their most recent game. While having some poor shooting games happens to the best, but even outside of their shooting, but the offense has been a shell of itself due to Minnesota's suffocating defense.

The Joker Himself

Now Denver has had a hurt Aaron Gordon during this series, leaving a big hole on defense, along with Peyton Watson still being hurt. Even with those injuries, this seems like this defense can be stemmed to their best player.

While never being a terrific defender throughout his career his size and strength has still been enough to create some deterrance. No matter what stats can be shown to make Jokic look better the eye test shows all you need to know.

For most of his career, it's been a constant problem where even with his obvious defensive weaknesses, there are times when he is an absolute zero on defense.

While in part due to his heavy offensive load night in and night out, it leaves every defensive possesion into a game of 5 on 4. If Denver ever wants to make it to the promise land once again, they either need to improve the defense surround Jokic or fix the Joker himself.