It hasn’t been the greatest stretch for Nikola Jokic, and Charles Barkley believes the NBA isn’t helping the Nuggets star’s situation.
The three-time MVP has faced challenges in the past three games, including a tough loss to the Thunder on Sunday.
Barkley, an analyst for TNT, feels that the NBA has hurt Denver by scheduling a Friday night game (8 PM MST) followed by an early Sunday afternoon game (1:30 PM).
Barkley expressed his thoughts during the broadcast on Sunday. “I wondered what the NBA had done [to the Nuggets]. We play late on Friday night, then have early afternoon games. I think that’s unfair. I’m quite serious about this.”
Kenny Smith pointed out that both teams are in the same boat.
“Sure, but the Thunder have more depth. They’ve got 12 players,” Barkley countered. “Remember, this hurt them last year when Jokic ran out of gas against Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. I don’t think it’s fair to put all the blame on Jokic, but he isn’t playing well, and it seems like he’s worn out.”
Barkley compared this to the Nuggets’ seven-game exit against the Timberwolves last year.
In Sunday’s game, Jokic shot 7-for-17, including 2-for-8 from deep, finishing with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and four steals. However, he only managed 8 out of 25 in a previous overtime win in Game 3 and just six out of 16 in Game 2.
This followed a strong performance in Game 1, where he logged 29 points and 15 rebounds.
During the regular season, Jokic had an MVP-worthy performance, achieving triple-doubles for the first time and averaging 29.6 points, 10.2 assists, and 12.7 rebounds, with a career-high 41.7% from three-point range.
In the first round against the Clippers, he maintained a shooting percentage of 50%, with averages of 24 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 10.1 assists.
The series continues with Game 5 in Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.
