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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 125-123.

After the Denver Nuggets went down with a Game 2 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves, predictions started to shift.

Suddenly, the Timberwolves’ impressive two-way display in Colorado earlier this week has caused many to question whether Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets have the ability to avoid a first-round upset against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.

Minnesota is loudly confident in their chances of getting the series done. Even after losing Game 1, the Timberwolves weren’t sweating the outcome. After Game 2, Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels took a direct shot at Denver’s defensive struggles.

GettyDENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 10: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks for a foul call against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Ball Arena on February 10, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

“Go at Jokic, Jamal, all the bad defenders. Tim Hardaway, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, their whole team,” McDaniels said after Game 2. “They’re all bad defenders.”

As a result of Denver’s defensive display in Game 2, the veteran center Kendrick Perkins wants a core guy like Jokic to be held accountable.

Kendrick Perkins Gets Real On Nikola Jokic

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a foul during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

“We’ve got to start holding Jokic accountable defensively,” Perkins said after Game 2.

“I mean, it was just, it was horrible what he displayed [in Game 2]! You could tell that he was the focal point of the game plan. They have zero rim protection whatsoever. They got to figure that out because they are going to continue to put him in action.”

The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 119-114. Jokic was a plus-one on the court, as he had a typical offensive showing, which nearly included a triple-double.

In 40 minutes, Jokic accounted for 24 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. But the offense couldn’t win the fight, which was lost on the defensive end of the floor for the Nuggets.

The Nuggets-Timberwolves Series Continues In Minnesota

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 04: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 04, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images)

On Thursday, April 23, the Nuggets and the Timberwolves will battle for Game 3.

The game could get the Nuggets right back on track, or it could certainly shift the momentum of the series, giving the Timberwolves even more believers as they continue to tease a potential upset.

The Nuggets can’t let their foot off the gas in any area, but they need to figure out how to be better defensively, as the Timberwolves are clearly applying pressure.