The Denver Nuggets are currently facing a challenging stretch, having lost six of their last nine games, including a 117-108 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. This slump has dropped them to fifth place in the Western Conference standings. Last week's 128-117 loss to the Golden State Warriors highlighted late-game execution issues, with star center Nikola Jokic initially concerned about the team's difficulty making open shots during key moments.
However, as per a report by Rachel Strand and noted by ClutchPoints, Jokic now views these struggles as a positive development for the defending champions.
Commenting on the team's recent performance, he said, "It's a good thing to happen. You'll start worrying; you'll start caring more. The struggle is good... you'll play a little harder and better."
"It's a good thing to happen. You'll start worrying, you'll start caring more. The struggle is good... you'll play a little harder and better."
Nikola Jokic is going through a tough time on the Nuggets 🗣️
(via @milehighrachel) pic.twitter.com/LPme5cmXKH
- ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 2 March 2026
This perspective suggests the reigning MVP believes the current challenges can help eliminate complacency and sharpen the team's focus on the postseason.
Guard Christian Braun also echoed this sentiment after last week's game, emphasizing that the Nuggets' challenges stemmed more from a lack of physicality and "not holding our spots" than from flaws in their overall gameplay.
With important matchups scheduled against the Utah Jazz and the strong Los Angeles Lakers, the Nuggets must find a way to increase their strength.
Jokic remains optimistic that experiencing the pressure of these defeats will ultimately motivate the team to improve its performance when it matters most.
