The Denver Nuggets delivered a surprising and dominant performance in their 126-103 victory over the LA Clippers despite being without their MVP, Nikola Jokic. Missing both Jokic and Aaron Gordon on the second night of a back-to-back, expectations were low, particularly following an energy-draining loss to the Boston Celtics the previous night. However, the Nuggets exceeded all expectations with a balanced and cohesive team effort.
Offensive Depth and Diversity
Without Jokic commanding the floor, Denver’s offense took on a more unpredictable and egalitarian style. Six players scored between 12 and 21 points, showcasing the team’s depth. The Nuggets capitalized on various offensive avenues:
56 points in the paint: Driving and finishing efficiently without relying on Jokic’s post presence.29 fast break points: Running in transition and exploiting the Clippers’ defense.15 second-chance points: Outworking the opposition on the boards.17-35 from three-point range (48.6%): Scorching accuracy from deep helped stretch the floor.
The team played with a loose, nothing-to-lose mentality, which seemed to free them from any pressure to meet expectations.
Stingy Defense
Denver also displayed a standout defensive effort, holding the Clippers to:
19 points in the first quarter: A season-best for the Nuggets.38% shooting from the field: Forcing contested shots and protecting the rim effectively.29% shooting from three-point range: Closing out effectively on perimeter shooters.24 points in the paint: Shutting down LA’s interior scoring opportunities.
The defense’s discipline and energy set the tone early, leaving the Clippers unable to recover.
Significance of Winning Without Jokic
These two games highlighted an essential step in Denver’s growth—learning to survive and thrive without Jokic. Historically, the Nuggets have struggled in his absence, and this season has seen the on/off-court disparity with Jokic be as stark as ever. While the team is far from proving it can consistently win without their MVP for extended periods, these performances provide:
Confidence: A belief that the team can adapt and compete against strong opponents without Jokic.Versatility: An opportunity to test new rotations, strategies, and styles of play that don’t overly rely on one player.Experience: Valuable reps for role players stepping into more significant roles.
Implications Moving Forward
Although these games won’t convince anyone that the Nuggets are better off without Jokic, they highlight the importance of depth and adaptability in the grind of an NBA season. In a hyper-competitive Western Conference, the ability to win games in Jokic’s absence—even sporadically—could make the difference between home-court advantage and a lower playoff seed.
For head coach Michael Malone, these wins are an opportunity to reinforce the team’s identity, build confidence in his bench, and solidify a blueprint for surviving the inevitable stretches where Jokic is unavailable. With an eye on long-term success, the Nuggets’ resilience over the last two games is an encouraging sign for their championship aspirations.