Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets survived a grueling seven-game series to eliminate the Los Angeles Clippers. In Game 7, the Nuggets dominated the game, leading 58-47 at halftime and extending the margin to 93-66 after three quarters. They ultimately secured a convincing 120-101 victory.

With the win, Denver advances to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, where they’ll face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder are coming off a first-round sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies and enter the matchup well-rested.

The Nuggets received balanced scoring throughout their lineup, with six players scoring 15 or more points. Aaron Gordon led the team with 22 points in the decisive Game 7.

However, it was the Nuggets’ superstar and three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic who remained the anchor of the team throughout the series. In Game 7, Jokic posted a near triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Following the game, Jokic was asked how he processes past playoff disappointments, including last year’s postseason exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in a seven-game series. His response was direct.

“I don’t think about failures,” Jokic said. 

“I don’t think about failures” 💯
Jokić tells the Fellas he doesn’t worry about last year’s exit after Denver’s Game 7 win tonight pic.twitter.com/HBvgiTSZOW

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 4, 2025

Despite last year’s early elimination, Jokic had a remarkable individual performance, averaging 28.7 points over 12 playoff games. The year before, he led the Nuggets to their first NBA championship and earned NBA Finals MVP honors after defeating the Miami Heat in five games.

During the 2024-25 regular season, Jokić appeared in 70 games, averaging 36.7 minutes per contest. He posted impressive averages of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game.

The 6-foot-11 Serbian center has been the cornerstone of the Denver franchise since being selected with the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

The second-round series between the Nuggets and Thunder is scheduled to begin Monday.

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