Nikola Jokic shared his thoughts after the Denver Nuggets suffered a 127-125 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers secured the win after overtime, with Luka Doncic delivering the decisive moment of the game.
fter Nikola Jokic tied the game at 125:125 with a shot off the glass, there were 16 seconds left on the clock. JJ Redick drew up a simple play for Doncic to “just” get free from his defender, receive the ball, and play one on one.
He succeeded, and Spencer Jones was guarding him. Bruce Brown was coming from the middle to double-team him, but Luka attacked the cleared left side, saw Jokic stepping over to help, and decided to go for his favorite step-back move. That created separation and he knocked down the shot from the short corner without touching the rim.
Claim Now 30 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds.
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) March 15, 2026
And game-winner against the Denver Nuggets.
Luka Doncic.pic.twitter.com/6FtYiAhKgc
There were 0.5 seconds left on the clock. David Adelman had a timeout available, but somewhat surprisingly decided to have Jokic inbound the ball.
After the matchup, Nikola Jokic was asked what he was looking for in the crucial moments.
“I just wanted to make the perfect pass… We have a lot of players who are a threat.”
Young Spencer Jones was tasked with guarding Luka Doncic on the final possession but was unable to stop him.
“Spencer was in position to play good defense, but he could not force him toward the double team… it is a learning process… They are the best in the world.”
Stopping Luka Doncic and other NBA stars is never an easy task.
“You can somehow slow them down, but offense is what decides the game. It is hard to guard those guys, the best players in the league.”
Despite the loss, Nikola Jokic recorded another impressive triple double performance with 24 points, 16 rebounds, 14 assists, five steals and one block.
