Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic is under scrutiny after missing a nationally televised game against the Golden State Warriors. While many criticized his absence, a former player supported the Denver Nuggets’ decision.
Jokic was listed as questionable throughout the day leading up to the game due to ankle and elbow injuries. After a grueling stretch of the schedule, the Nuggets chose to rest their star center. This marked Jokic’s seventh missed game of the season and his first absence in nearly two months.
On FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show, three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams weighed in on the situation. He suggested that the decision to sit Jokic was strategic, aiming to ensure he was ready for their upcoming clash against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
“We’re three weeks out from this playoff run, everybody is trying to figure out their best position they can put themselves in going into it,” Williams said. “Everybody is starting to kind of bunker down, get into playoff mode.”
With the Lakers trailing the Nuggets by just one game in the standings, Denver has significant stakes in securing a win. The team prioritized ensuring their key players, including Jokic and Jamal Murray, were fully rested and healthy for their playoff push.
Despite facing backlash for resting Jokic and Murray, the Nuggets managed to pull off a victory against the Warriors. Aaron Gordon led the charge with a 38-point performance, propelling Denver to a 114-105 win.
NBA analyst criticizes Nikola Jokic’s absence
While Lou Williams offered a balanced perspective, other reactions were far less forgiving. ESPN analyst Tim Bontemps didn’t hold back during an appearance on Get Up, calling Jokic’s absence detrimental to the NBA.
“It’s a horrible look for the league,” Bontemps said. “This is why the NBA put in the NBA Player Participation Policy.”
Jokic, known for his durability, has been dealing with lingering injuries for some time. Despite his reputation as a player who rarely misses games, many were surprised to see him sidelined for such a high-profile matchup. However, with the postseason approaching, star players like Jokic are occasionally granted rest to ensure they’re at their best when it matters most.
Jokic has consistently emphasized the importance of being available for his team night in and night out. Like other stars across the league, he is entitled to take time off when injuries arise, especially as the playoffs loom.
Edited by Kevin McCormick
