Nikola Jokić remains the cornerstone of the Denver Nuggets, powering their playoff aspirations even amid roster challenges. His absence from the court significantly impacts the team’s performance, evidenced by their struggles during critical stretches. In the recent playoff match against the Clippers, head coach David Adelman kept Jokić on the floor through the second half, highlighting his vital role. However, the Clippers exploited a defensive strategy, deploying James Harden against Jokić, aiming to disrupt his playmaking and limit his contributions.

Despite the Nuggets establishing a commanding lead, the Clippers’ innovative defensive approach allowed them to cut the deficit, underscoring Jokić's dependency on his teammates. Aaron Gordon's late-game heroics salvaged a win, but consistency from players like Jamal Murray is essential for long-term success. Murray’s resurgence in Game 5, scoring 43 points, showcased the potential for a balanced attack when Jokić faces aggressive defenses. The Nuggets demonstrated adaptability, effectively running plays that harnessed Murray’s shooting and Gordon’s athleticism, marking a significant step in their playoff journey.