The Denver Nuggets couldn’t stop the LA Clippers from forcing a Game 7 in their series. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray‘s best efforts were in vain as the Clippers lost the chance to wrap up the series. And at the center of it all was the Clippers’ Nicolas Batum. So, in his infinite wisdom, Jokic took a cerebral, sly approach in addressing Batum’s performance post-game. But the Joker couldn’t contain his frustrations with his teammates in the same way.

Nicolas Batum took over in the final quarter for the Clippers tonight after Ty Lue gave him the nod over Kris Dunn for the second half. Now, don’t let him not scoring any points in the final 12 fool you. His contributions on the defensive were invaluable for the Clippers in keeping the series alive. Batum ended the game with only six points, but no one had more steals or blocks than him for the Clippers. And being the shrewd basketball mind he is, the Joker decided to play some Jedi mind tricks on his opponents.

He started off by praising Batum’s shooting over Dunn’s. “Batum is a much better shooter than Kris Dunn,” revealed the Joker. He continued, “Batum is a great defensive player. He can probably guard players one through five, so he’s a great defensive player. I don’t think they I don’t think they lack in the defensive end with the baton. Then if they start baton, probably, they’re gonna start baton in next game,” said the Joker after the game.

Now, given Batum almost single-handedly put the game out of the Joker’s reach. He and Ivica Zubac held the reigning MVP to 2-9 from the field in the second half. So, this may be the Joker trying to put thoughts into the Clippers’ heads. At the end of the day, elite basketball is a game of inches. And a former MVP like Jokic will never miss even the tiniest chance to get into his opponents’ heads.

So, if praising Batum and confirming his selection for the next game can cause issues within the Clippers, we think the Joker will take it! But there’s still one thing that gets under Nikola’s skin even more than the bothersome players on the opposition. And that’s his teammates failing to rise to the occasion. And there was plenty of that tonight!

 Russell Westbrook adds to Nikola Jokic’s frustrations in Game 6

Over the years, Nikola Jokic’s teammate, Russell Westbrook, has earned a nickname. It’s a little mean, but after the stuff he’s pulled this season, it’s hard to say it’s not deserved. Every time Brodie seems to be turning a corner, he does something to remind us of why he was given the title of “Westbrick.” And after the game, the Joker expressed his disappointment with his teammates.

“I mean, I think we had the two stretchers, one in, like, the middle of the second quarter. When we were kinda not disciplined, not focused, and they got in the lead,” said Jokic. Now the reporter had asked Jokic about the Nuggets’ losing control of the second half. So presumably that’s what he meant despite saying quarter. And given the opportunities Russ missed in the final 12, Jokic’s frustrations are wholly justified.

Early in the final quarter, Westbrook missed a wide-open dunk off a fast break that could’ve cut the Clippers’ lead down to single digits. Then, a few minutes later, Brodie completely bricked on a layup as the ball kissed the rim before falling onto the hardwood. The Denver Nuggets could have wrapped up this series and set up a date with the OKC Thunder. But now, they must trudge on and play a Game 7.

Like any Game 7, this is a do-or-die game. And the last thing the Nuggets can afford is a lapse in discipline like Jokic talked about with the media. So, let’s hope his teammates get the message. And if Jokic’s mind games work, then it’s even better, no?