BREAKING: Charles Barkley Makes Major Nikola Jokic Statement Amid Struggles During Nuggets-Thunder Series

The Denver Nuggets failed to take advantage of the opportunity the Oklahoma City Thunder presented them with. Instead of the series being tied at two, they could’ve been heading back to Oklahoma City with a 3-1 lead.

The Nuggets thrillingly defeated the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinal series opener 121-119, but were then blown out 149-106 in Game 2.

Heading back to Denver with the series tied at one was huge for Denver, facing a team that sometimes looked borderline unbeatable.

Jan 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball under pressure from Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and center Adem Bona (30) as forward Aaron Gordon (32) defends in the third quarter at Ball Arena.

© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley makes Nikola Jokic statement

Jokic was crucial in the series opener when he scored 42 points and secured 22 rebounds.

While his rebounding has remained strong in the games since, his scoring numbers were down heading into Game 4, having scored 17 and 20 points in Game 2 and Game 3, respectively.

Game 4 was close, but the Thunder managed to edge the Nuggets by five. While Jokic scored 27 points, he was just 7-for-22 from the field, and his third-straight game below 40% shooting.

Following Game 4, Charles Barkley delivered a major statement regarding the Serbian star.

“[Joker] as not played well and I think he’s wearing down,” said Barkley.

"[Joker] has not played well and I think he's wearing down" 👀

Chuck thinks Denver's short rotation is impacting Jokić 😯 pic.twitter.com/vuLFbwwBN9

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 12, 2025

When comparing the teams side-by-side, it’s tough to look at Denver’s rotation and say it’s better than the Thunder’s.

Their bench had been a problem all season and now that problem is rearing its ugly head once again.

Jokic was tested significantly against the Los Angeles Clippers, having to go against Ivica Zubac for seven games. The longer the series goes, the more Oklahoma City has the advantage with their incredible depth.