BREAKING: Nikola Jokic Makes Clear Statement Before Thunder-Nuggets Game 7

May 17, 2025

It’s do or die for the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Denver Nuggets never promised to make it easy for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have forced the NBA’s best regular-season team to the brink of elimination. Nikola Jokic knows what needs to be done from here.

Business was taken care of on Thursday night in Denver when the Nuggets won a competitive 119-107 matchup in Game 6 at Ball Arena. Jokic delivered a reliable and brilliant performance.

The three-time MVP dropped 29 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block in the win. The Serbian superstar got some unexpected support too.

Julian Strawther delivered 15 points off the bench, helping guide the Nuggets to another must-win scenario.

Nikola Jokic during Game 3.

Nikola Jokic after Game 3 vs. the Thunder.

© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Jokic explains what Nuggets need to do for Game 7

This has been a back and forth series. The Thunder still remain the NBA title favorites at this point of the season. However, that should offer a mental boost to the Nuggets.

If Oklahoma City is everyone’s favorite to take home the trophy, then Denver is not far off from being championship ready either. It may be a little too early to be thinking about that, though. First, the Nuggets have to take care of business on the road.

Game 7 at the Paycom Center is sure to be a rabid environment. Apart from blocking out that noise, Jokic explained what the Nuggets need to do to ensure a Game 7 victory.

“Defense. Details. Box out. Turnovers. That will probably decide winner,” the Nuggets superstar told Brendan Vogt.

The Nuggets have a 5-4 record in Game 7s during their franchise history. That number improves a bit when just looking at the Jokic era.

Denver is 4-2 in a Game 7 scenario with the Joker at the helm. That should inspire a little more confidence.