Nikola Jokic's Friends Showed Up When He Needed Them Most | Defector
Briefly

The Denver Nuggets' victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in their first-round playoff series was somewhat expected due to home advantage and star power. However, the season leading to this moment was fraught with tension and disappointment. Despite achieving a 50-win season, internal strife resulted in the firing of key personnel, reflecting an organizational crisis partially stemming from high expectations surrounding star player Nikola Jokic. Teammates felt immense pressure to support Jokic, often feeling guilty about the team's struggles. The rich narratives unfolding during the series added an additional layer to the excitement of the playoffs.
The Nuggets season was one of angst; end-of-season firings underscored organizational toxicity, with Jokic's greatness exposing the team's failures and pressures.
The fun of watching sports is in the moments leading up to outcomes, in the stories created during a tight seven-game series.
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