With their season on the line, the Denver Nuggets showed up when it mattered most. Facing elimination against the Thunder, they came out swinging—playing with urgency and grabbing an early lead. Even when OKC punched back, Nikola Jokic and company stayed locked in and closed out the must-win game. But while the victory keeps their hopes alive, the Joker isn’t celebrating just yet. With Game 7 looming, he’s already focused on what adjustments the Nuggets need to make to finish the job.

The Nuggets and Thunder have battled it out ten times this season—including both the regular season and playoffs—and they’re dead even with five wins apiece. So it’s no surprise that Nikola Jokic thinks Game 7 will be decided by the smallest margins. “Probably defense. I think probably defense. Details. Rebounding for us, especially because how much they are attacking the glass. Turnovers for us. Depends on how the game opens up,” the three-time MVP said.

For Jokic, it’s all about tightening the screws—protecting the glass, limiting mistakes, and playing smart defense. Because in a series this close, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

Last night, the Denver team committed fourteen turnovers, which is not something you expect from a championship contender. They also gave up seven offensive rebounds. These mistakes could cost them on Sunday. Jokic continued, “They (OKC) want to push the pace, they want to drive and find open looks. We kind of want to maybe little bit slower game. Get open looks differently. So, I think it’s interesting to watch. I think the details: defense, box out, turnovers, that’s gonna probably decide the winner.”

Of course, it doesn’t help the Nuggets that they will have to play in enemy territory, in front of thousands of Thunder fans. So, there is basically zero margin of error. Fortunately, they have a two-day break to work on last night’s mistakes.

Nikola Jokic hopes to get some rest before Game 7 as he reveals relationship with David Adelman

Well, the Nuggets’ path in these playoffs has been extremely challenging. First, they were tested by the Clippers in a gruelling seven-game series. And only a couple of days after accomplishing that challenge, they were thrown into the Thunder series. They have had no time to rest since the postseason began. It has been tough on them, both mentally and physically. So, Jokic is a little relieved that his team gets a two-day break before the crucial Game 7.

“We are playing 13 really hard games not back-to-back but like every other day, so hopefully we’re gonna have some rest and get ready for the game.” He remarked. In these two days, he will likely have a discussion with David Adelman regarding their strategy for Sunday’s encounter.

As revealed by Jokic, he has constant interaction with the interim head coach about game related things, “Talk to him a lot. We are texting even when I see something, I just ask him a question what he thinks about it and I think we have great communication and relationship. It’s been good.”

So, they will likely figure out ways to make the changes Jokic mentioned during last night’s presser and hopefully, execute them on Sunday. Do you believe they can pull off a miracle and eliminate the West’s top seed on their own home court?