Jokic Concerned For Nuggets After Warriors Loss As 2026 Form Slips

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The Denver Nuggets suffered a 128-117 defeat to the Golden State Warriors, and Nikola Jokic admitted concern about the team’s slide. Jokic delivered his 20th triple-double of the season with 35 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists, yet Denver still allowed a late turnaround and now faces questions over form and execution on both ends of the court.

The loss at Golden State was Denver’s sixth defeat in the last nine games, despite holding an eight-point advantage late in the third quarter. The Warriors were missing Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis, but still overturned the deficit, exposing issues in the Nuggets’ closing stretches and raising doubts about their rhythm during this tough road stretch.

Golden State set the tone early from long range, hitting 15 three-pointers in the first half and building a lead that stretched to 14 points at one stage. The Nuggets, playing their third road game in four days, worked back into the contest, yet struggled to maintain defensive pressure and pace deep into the second half against a rested Warriors rotation.

Brandlin Podziemski turned the matchup in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of his 18 points in the final period to drive the Warriors’ comeback. Denver’s earlier surge, which had pushed them ahead by eight just before the third-quarter buzzer, faded as Golden State increased ball movement and tempo, punishing tired legs and slow closeouts on the perimeter.

After the defeat, Jokic spoke openly about Denver’s offensive struggles during this recent spell. "I'm definitely concerned because we are losing the games, and we're not creating open looks," Jokic said. "So, that's something that we need to change. Hopefully, we get better. I don't know what it is, but we need to figure it out."

This outing marked Jokic’s 10th appearance since returning from a hyperextended knee that sidelined Jokic for 16 straight games. Reflecting on the adjustment period, Jokic said, "I've never been in this situation, just because it felt so good before injury. Definitely need a little bit more time, a little bit more games than usual." Denver’s staff now balances workload, health and results.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr outlined a clear strategy that targeted the Nuggets’ heavy schedule and travel. "Our whole game plan going in was just keep the pressure on them," Kerr said. "Try to wear them down, keep running. I think that was definitely a factor. We were rested, and they were not." Denver now looks to respond, with defence, late-game focus and shot creation under close review.