Frustration boiled over on the court. Nikola Jokic fouled out for the first time this season on an illegal screen with 1:17 remaining in the third quarter.Jokic ultimately finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 turnovers—miles away from the 42-point masterclass he delivered in Game 1. More glaring than the stat line was his staggering -36 plus/minus, the worst playoff mark of his career. Despite that, as the 30-year-old walked into the post-game press conference, he didn’t let the tempers run the show moving forward.

Like a true professional, the Serbian handled the barrage of questions thrown at him with the utmost calm. When asked about “[the opponent’s] physicality…it seems like you’re always getting called”, Jokic responded, “Just try to try to fight for the position as best as you can. And deal with consequences.” Another reporter instantly questioned whether the last foul was “out of frustration”, to which the player replied, “I wanted to set a good screen on Jamal because they were so physical…on him and it happens, you know.” One thing was clear: No matter how direct the questions, Jokic wouldn’t be the one to incur a fine for badmouthing the referee calls. Even when coaxed into admitting how he “had a lot to say” to Scott Foster, Jokic claimed he went to the referee in peace. He clarified,

“Was just asking. I did nothing. I didn’t say nothing. I think I just said, ‘I can ask questions?’” A fine for badmouthing or criticizing refs can result in a penalty ranging from somewhere between $15,000 to $75,000, depending on the severity. Just in December last year, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards was fined a staggering $75,000 after his fiery comments about officials Sean Wright and Sean Corbin (“They’re f—–g terrible. All of them. Besides the woman. But the other two dudes, terrible). But while Nikola Jokic escaped the same fate, controversy still ran amok.

Mostly because of teammate Aaron Gordon, who alleged, “They are fouling Joker first. You know Jok is reactionary and they do get the second guy a lot of the times. But they are fouling him throughout the game — point blank. Period. And it’s a thing you can’t call every foul because you would be calling a foul every single play. But they are fouling him. They are a handsy team.” Notably, Joker has 11 fouls in two games, while he’s only attempted 19 free throws, including five during the last game. Understandable why some are ticked off. But Jokic’s demeanor? It was much more than trying to avoid a fine…

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

According to sources close to the locker room, Denver’s coaching staff issued a clear directive to the team immediately after the loss: cut the emotional play. The message? Don’t let frustration dictate effort or body language. Interim head coach David Adelman, who openly acknowledged they “got punked,” made it clear that Game 3 will be a test of mental resilience as much as basketball.

Thunder’s Record Night Sends Shockwaves Through Playoff Landscape

If there was any doubt whether the Thunder could punch back, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. put it to rest emphatically. SGA dropped 34 points on 11-for-13 shooting, dished out eight assists, and didn’t miss a single free throw. By halftime, Oklahoma City had dropped a playoff-record 87 points, and the rout was on.

“Basically, it was one team playing tonight,” Jokic said post-game—a brutal but honest assessment. OKC led by as many as 49 points, shot over 70% in the first quarter, and had eight players score in double figures. Chet Holmgren added 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jalen Williams contributed 17 points and seven assists.

For the Thunder, the win wasn’t just about revenge—it was about recalibrating their identity after a deflating Game 1 loss. “We came out desperate,” SGA said. “We wanted to just take care and control the things that we knew we could… The start carried us through the rest of the night.”

Coach Mark Daigneault echoed that sentiment, praising his star for blending scoring with playmaking: “He made them pay when they overhelped… It wasn’t just a one-man show.” With the series tied 1–1, the pressure shifts squarely onto the Nuggets. Game 3 is Friday night in Denver, and after Wednesday’s meltdown, the defending champs need to reestablish control—not just of the series, but of their composure.

The Nuggets’ veteran leaders, including Jokic and Jamal Murray, are expected to set the tone early. Murray had 14 points in Game 2 but was visibly frustrated throughout. Russell Westbrook, who scored a team-high 19 points, also picked up a technical foul shortly after entering the game, underscoring how emotions ran high across the board.

Adelman didn’t mince words post-game. “I’m not going to flush that,” he said of the loss. “We’ve got to be better. We know that.” With the Thunder riding momentum and playoff history now on their side, the Nuggets’ next move is critical. They’ve received the message loud and clear from their coaches—and avoided further disciplinary distractions from the league.

Nikola Jokic may have avoided punishment, but the Nuggets as a whole didn’t escape criticism. After one of the worst playoff losses in franchise history, Denver’s mindset, focus, and maturity will all be tested in Game 3. The Thunder have proven they can deliver a knockout punch. Now, it’s on the ‘Mile High City’ to show if they can take it—and punch back.