Tag: Tim Connelly

Timberwolves majority owner Glen Taylor …

Timberwolves majority owner Glen Taylor said Gupta would be evaluated after the season to determine if they would go forward with him or look elsewhere. The Wolves have not ruled out the possibility that Gupta will remain in charge, sources said. But the talks with Connelly represent a real consideration of hiring someone above Gupta.

Ryan Blackburn: Here’s the full …

Tim Connelly on Michael Porter’s contract: Hindsight is 20/20

Michael Singer: Asked Tim Connelly about Michael Porter Jr.’s contract: “Hindsight is 20/20.” Said they’ve historically been a team that rewards guys early and felt his health was at a place worth extending him an early extension. Source: Twitter …

Michael Singer: Asked Tim Connelly about Michael Porter Jr.’s contract: “Hindsight is 20/20.” Said they’ve historically been a team that rewards guys early and felt his health was at a place worth extending him an early extension.

Source: Twitter @msinger

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Michael Singer @msinger
Asked Tim Connelly about MPJ’s contract: “Hindsight is 20/20.”
Said they’ve historically been a team that rewards guys early and felt his health was at a place worth extending him an early extension. – 2:43 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Michael Porter Jr: “You learn from your experience. One of the reasons I didn’t want to come back was I didn’t want to come back too early and have what happened before happen again.”
Referring to the way he approached his back injury when he was at Missouri. – 2:19 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Michael Porter Jr on the way the Nuggets handled both his and Jamal Murray’s injuries: “The organization is amazing. The way they gave us our space and time and encouraged us and didn’t rush us, it was really dope.”
“They didn’t put any type of pressure on us.” – 2:18 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Michael Porter was very complimentary of the organization, saying it was dope that they gave Jamal and MPJ their space to rehab and didn’t pressure them into coming back too soon. – 2:17 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
MPJ, on his bond with Jamal: Said they were each telling each other not to rush back. Said they tried to keep a big-picture approach.
MPJ mentions his relationships with IT and how important it was to have the Nuggets’ support throughout their decisions. – 2:16 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I asked MPJ about the Warriors and what he learned. He immediately went to the mental side of things and how even if they don’t make shots, they stay locked in defensively. Used Klay as an example. Said that was something he’s struggled with and wants to get better at. – 2:15 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Michael Porter Jr. speaking with Denver media says he probably could have played over the last month. He says he could have play on one leg and stand in the corner and shoot 3s. “But I probably wouldn’t have been at my best. At that point it’s thinking short term not long term.” – 2:12 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Michael Porter Jr said he “didn’t want to do anything that would risk long-term health.” Said he probably “could have played” but he would not have been at his best. Said he thought would he really help the team?
“To not play was really hard on me, especially mentally.” pic.twitter.com/suUPKYucHt – 2:06 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
MPJ said that when he returned at Mizzou for the NCAA tournament he was around 50% and in retrospect, he wished he wouldn’t have. Said that helped inform his decision not to return this season. – 2:06 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
MPJ: I guess you could call it a little setback (in March).
Said he was aiming to come back in March but ramped up too quickly. – 2:03 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Michael Porter says that he had a little setback in March, that he was aiming to come back way prior to the playoffs, and decided to take it easy after that. – 2:03 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
MPJ: “I probably could’ve played in the last month. … I definitely would not have been at my best.”
Said it’s long-term health vs. short-term thinking at that point. – 2:01 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets held most of their exit interviews last night in SF, but tomorrow we’re scheduled to speak with MPJ, Jamal Murray and Tim Connelly. – 9:26 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Just got the email from Nuggets PR that tomorrow Michael Porter Jr, Jamal Murray, and Tim Connelly will be holding press conferences. – 9:21 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Nuggets are holding media availability for Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, and Tim Connelly tomorrow afternoon. – 9:05 PM

More on this storyline

Nuggets general manager on Nikola Jokic supermax: It’s a pretty big priority

Michael Singer: Tim Connelly laughs when asks about Nikola Jokic’s supermax: “It’s a pretty big priority.” Source: Twitter @msinger What’s the buzz on Twitter? Harrison Wind @ HarrisonWind Tim Connelly says he talks with Nikola Jokic about how much …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Tim Connelly says he talks with Nikola Jokic about how much longer he wants to play basketball three or four time per year. Jokic tells him, “Until it’s no longer fun.” – 2:55 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Tim Connelly said he talks with Nikola Jokic a few times a year about how long he wants to play.
His answer: “Until it’s no longer fun.” – 2:55 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic is already en route to Serbia, Tim Connelly says. – 2:52 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Tim Connelly on Nikola Jokic potentially signing the supermax this summer: “There’s nothing more important organizationally than making sure Nikola stays here as long as he plays the game.” – 2:45 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Tim Connelly laughs when asks about Nikola Jokic’s supermax: “It’s a pretty big priority.” – 2:43 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Nuggets reportedly expected to offer Nikola Jokic super-max contract extension, he says he’d sign nba.nbcsports.com/2022/04/28/nug
 – 5:01 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
After a historic season that could lead to a 2nd straight MVP, Nikola Jokic says he’ll sign what is expected to be the largest supermax extension ‘if offer is on table’ this offseason. Joker also says Nuggets have the pieces but can they ‘work together’ espn.com/nba/story/_/id
 – 4:22 PM
Tom Haberstroh @tomhaberstroh
Nikola Jokic averaged 31.0 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists on 64.3 TS% against Draymond Green and the Warriors.
The best playoff performance vs. GSW by a player not named LeBron James (using Game Score via @stathead) pic.twitter.com/jSYxgiFZwl – 12:49 PM

Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Nikola Jokic had an interesting answer about Nuggets’ outlook w/ a healthy Murray and MPJ.
“You can see through the league teams are making superteams and they’re not making any success — let’s say like that. We have the talent…The only thing is are we going to work together?” – 10:59 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Best PER in NBA playoffs history
1. Michael Jordan: 28.6
2. George Mikan: 28.5
3. LeBron James: 28.2
4. NIKOLA JOKIC: 28.0 – 10:56 AM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
NBA’s best from April 27:
– Giannis: 33 pts, 9 reb, 30 min
– N. Jokic: 30 pts, 19 reb, 8 ast
– S. Curry: 30 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast
– P. Connaughton: 20 pts, 6-9 3pt, +14
– N. Vucevic: 19 pts, 16 reb, 6 ast
– D. Cousins: 19 pts, 4 reb, 15 min
– B. Portis: 14 pts, 17 reb, 32 min – 10:39 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Nikola Jokic plans to sign contract extension with Nuggets: ‘Of course I’m going to accept it’
cbssports.com/nba/news/nikol
 – 10:38 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Nikola Jokic’s last three games (PTS-REB-AST-FG%):
✅ 37-18-5-63.6
✅ 37-8-6-66.7
✅ 30-19-8-66.7
Jokic is just the second player in NBA history to record at least 30p/5r/5a while shooting 60% from the field in three straight playoff games (LeBron James, 2020). pic.twitter.com/8nGYArtDwe – 9:41 AM

Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Nikola Jokic last night:
✅ 30 PTS
✅ 19 REB
✅ 8 AST
✅ 12-18 FG
Jokic is just the third center in NBA history to average at least 30 PPG, 10 RPG, and 5 APG in a playoff series.
He joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1974) and Hakeem Olajuwon (1995, 2x). pic.twitter.com/qXexPvQIaU – 9:31 AM

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Nikola Jokic on how the back-to-back MVP party would look like: “Probably some music. Beer. Friends around. Family. Like how you’re supposed to do, probably.” pic.twitter.com/iRJs9FLx7f – 9:03 AM

Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
“The most appalling trait of any human being is self-pity,” Mike Malone said. “That’s one thing you’re never going to see Nikola Jokic have in his heart, in his mind.”
Jokic did all he could. The Nuggets season is over, with a reminder of what’s missing. theathletic.com/3277628/2022/0
 – 8:45 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Nikola Jokic says he will sign a supermax extension “if the offer is on the table” #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13
 – 4:45 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Nikola Jokic says he would love to sign super max extension ($254M in five years) with Nuggets sportando.basketball/en/nikola-joki
 – 4:37 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
After a historic season that could lead to a second straight MVP, Nikola Jokic says he’ll sign what is expected to be the largest supermax extension ‘if offer is on table’ this offseason espn.com/nba/story/_/id
 – 3:46 AM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
“I really appreciate our matchup,” Nikola Jokic said of playing against Draymond Green. He called Green the Warriors’ “eyes and their ears. Amazing player.”
“To be honest, he’s stopped much better offensive players than me through his career.”
Jokic’s full quote👇 pic.twitter.com/Ovrxpqcupv – 2:05 AM

Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
If Nikola Jokic wins his 2nd MVP he has an idea of how he’ll celebrate:
“Probably some music. Beer. Friends around. Family. Like how you’re supposed to do, probably.” – 1:48 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
DeMarcus Cousins says Nikola Jokic, like Russ, is the most disrespected MVP. Jokic said he doesn’t care if people don’t think he’s good. “I think it’s really hard to get here. I respect every player that got here
 I cannot control how other people feeling or thinking about me.” – 1:47 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic, on if he’s ever bothered by lack of respect.
“Couldn’t care less, brother.” – 1:46 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic said he’ll celebrate a potential second MVP with “music and beer.” And some friends. – 1:44 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic says if he wins MVP again, it’s not something he ever dreamed of and that he will celebrate with maybe “some music” and “beer” and friends. He also said if he doesn’t win it, he “won’t die” either. – 1:44 AM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Nikola Jokic just said if he’s offered a super-max extension he plans to accept it. I have a feeling it’ll be offered. @CSGazetteSports @DenverGazette #MileHighBasketball – 1:40 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic on signing a potential supermax this summer: “If the offer’s on the table, of course I’m going to accept it.” – 1:39 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic on his plans over the next couple of days: “I’m going to leave to Serbia as soon as possible.” – 1:38 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic said he was dropping on defense and felt something “weird” with his hamstring but that it “was nothing big.” – 1:37 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Draymond Green on Nikola Jokic: “I just told him, ‘Thank you for making me better.’ It’s absolutely incredible to play against a guy like that…Usually when you have a guy that’s that talented and that skilled, they are a little soft. He’s far, far from soft.” – 1:37 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
A reflective Aaron Gordon said it won’t be about working harder this season as much as it will be working “smarter.” He said he wants to raise his basketball IQ to play better alongside Nikola Jokic and plans to watch a lot of film this offseason. – 1:35 AM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
“Outside of Russ, probably one of the most disrespected MVPs in this league.” — DeMarcus Cousins on Nikola Jokic.
“An incredible, incredible talent. His game speaks for itself… He doesn’t get treated like an MVP.” – 1:28 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
DeMarcus Cousins on Nikola Jokic: “Outside of Russ, probably one of the most disrespected MVPs.”
Said he doesn’t get treated like an MVP. – 1:24 AM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Draymond Green on Nikola Jokic:
“It’s an honor and a pleasure to play against someone so talented and so skilled. Usually, when you have guys that talented and that skilled, they’re a little soft. He’s far, far from soft. He’s an absolutely incredible player.” – 1:21 AM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Nikola Jokic had hamstring tightness going into Game 5, Mike Malone said. Jokic still had 30-19-8.
“I just don’t understand the people that find a way to criticize Nicole Jokic,” Malone said. “Is he perfect? No. I’m not saying he is. But the guy is the definition of a warrior.” – 1:18 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
NIkola Jokic haters cannot even come out after that kind of performance and series.
If you have anything to say about that kind of performance from the back-to-back MVP — you’re telling on yourself. – 1:13 AM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Draymond Green on Nikola Jokic: “Usually when guys are that talented and skilled, they’re soft. He’s far, far from soft.” pic.twitter.com/39LSduOGaP – 1:09 AM

Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
Jokic is the first player with at least 30 pts, 19 rebs, 8 asts, 66% FG in a playoff game in 55 years. Wilt is the only other to do it. – 1:09 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Michael Malone says a full Nuggets squad with a healthy Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. with a possible two-time MVP in Nikola Jokic can be “scary.” Malone admits Murray will not be himself at the start of next season and will have to build up. But he says future is “bright” – 1:02 AM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Steve Kerr congratulated Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on a terrific season.
“I also want to mention how happy I am for DeMarcus Cousins. Obviously, I wanted to win, but that guy put his heart on the line for us several years ago, and he’s been through hell.” – 12:59 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Michael Malone says Nikola Jokic came into the game with a tight hamstring. Malone says last couple of postseason runs have worn on Jokic but he’s fought through everything. – 12:54 AM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Steve Kerr: “Jokic is ridiculous.”
Here is his full quote on the Nuggets. Praised DeMarcus Cousins. pic.twitter.com/TNugnGYcCP – 12:54 AM

Michael Singer @msinger
Michael Malone said Nikola Jokic was battling hamstring tightness coming into the game.
Reiterated he’s a “warrior,” and he fights through everything. – 12:54 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Michael Malone says going into tonight, Nikola Jokic’s hamstring was really tight: “That guy is a warrior.” – 12:54 AM
Connor Letourneau @Con_Chron
Steve Kerr: “Jokic is ridiculous. I’m really happy to not have to worry about him anymore.” – 12:53 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Jokic for Westbrook. Who says no? AK – 12:47 AM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
If nothing else, with his games 4 and 5 Nikola Jokic made it OK for him to be voted MVP again. (Am I doing this right, @DaveDuFourNBA?) – 12:42 AM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
Nuggets don’t want to hear this now, but running it back next year, with Jokic, Barton, Gordon, a returning Murray and Porter, Jr (and, i’m assuming, a re-signed Cousins)
they’re gonna go on a deep postseason run in ’23. – 12:41 AM
Dan Favale @danfavale
“i’m absolutely excited and thankful to be done with him”
-draymond to nbc sports bay area on no longer having to guard jokic – 12:40 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
And oh BTW, Jokic is the MVP and it’s not, IMO, very debatable. That was extraordinary what he did tonight, in the series, and all season with his team as shorthanded as it was – 12:40 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
No player had less talent around him this postseason than Nikola Jokic.
Amazing that this went to Game 5. – 12:38 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
For the record, I feel just fine about my (fictional) Nikola Jokic MVP vote. – 12:38 AM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
This is the last season I want to see Nikola Jokic carry the entire world on his shoulders for the whole season. The Denver Nuggets owe it to him to make this easier. Some of that will come with health, and some requires roster adjustments. Time to figure it out. He deserves it. – 12:38 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Nikola Jokic in the first round:
31.0 PPG
13.2 RPG
5.8 APG
1.6 SPG
57.5 FG% pic.twitter.com/Km7OXbNwvH – 12:37 AM

Carl Steward @stewardsfolly
Warriors quickly pay their respects to Jokic. Draymond Green was the first to give him a hug, which says everything. – 12:36 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
A season that no Diehard will forget
The back-to-back MVP season for Nikola Jokic where all he wanted was to have Jamal Murray alongside him competing each night.
The Nuggets DID NOT have a disappointing season and it only makes next season that much more important. We move on. – 12:35 AM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
really cool seeing the respect steph, klay, and dray all showed to jokic – 12:35 AM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Nikola Jokic with an all-timer game, even in the loss. He had 30 points/19 rebounds/8 assists. That’s only been done 10 times in playoff history. Second time Jokic did it. Kareem did it twice. Wilt did it twice. Elgin Baylor did it twice. Barkley and Oscar also did it. – 12:35 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Final rotations for the Nuggets as they lose to the Warriors 102-98:
-Joker showed out: 30-19-8 on a bum hammy at the end
-Until that Morris layup, no other Nugget scored in the final 8:06, but the defensive intensity and effort level was HIGH for the entire series
-Season over pic.twitter.com/26mEs2PfH9 – 12:35 AM

Dan Favale @danfavale
nikola jokic looks like he always just ran a mile at full tilt through the woods in the dead of winter yet just keeps going. incredible stamina. incredible player. can’t wait to see a (hopefully) healthier nuggets team next year. – 12:34 AM
Adi Joseph @AdiJoseph
Jokic had a hell of a series, but he’ll get piled on anyway. – 12:34 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 19 rebounds and 8 assists in an elimination game. Didn’t have enough help, all season long, and he still almost got this back to Denver somehow. – 12:34 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Before that garbage time Morris layup, Nikola Jokic was the only Nugget to score in the last 8:06 of that game.
I could not possibly think of a more fitting encapsulation of his season. – 12:34 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Nikola Jokic went out swinging.
30 PTS
19 REB
8 AST
12-18 FG pic.twitter.com/3o7x9AJXFI – 12:33 AM

Michael Singer @msinger
That does it. A herculean effort from Nikola Jokic falls short.
Joker finishes the season on a 30-point, 19-rebound, 8-assist masterpiece, but the #Nuggets fall 102-98 to Golden State.
Can’t fault their fight. – 12:33 AM
Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
Man the Nuggets were playing so well. But the margins are already so small for them
 the Jokic foul trouble/hamstring situation just totally messed with their rhythm. – 12:33 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic finishes with 30 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 assists. Played the 2nd half on one leg and still made the Warriors give everything they had tonight. – 12:32 AM
Mike Richman @mikegrich
Jokic was great. Warriors are better. Bummer that Jok might get that ‘07 Dirk MVP award. – 12:32 AM
Carl Steward @stewardsfolly
Warriors win series 4-1 but it felt closer than that. And damn, Jokic is just phenomenal. – 12:32 AM
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
Jokic is incredible. – 12:30 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic is besides himself after missing that 3. – 12:30 AM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Jokic a helluva player, man – 12:29 AM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
Nice effort by Jokic on that Curry layup. – 12:28 AM
Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
It is an absolute pleasure watching Nikola Jokic play basketball in person.
Every. Single. Time. – 12:28 AM
David Morrow @_DavidMorrow
What more can Jokic do – 12:27 AM
Jabari Davis @JabariDavisNBA
still sitting here SMH about how absurd that drop-off pass was from Jokic AND at the fact that it was wasted pic.twitter.com/dKkH6QTicn – 12:27 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic has scored 10 in a row. – 12:27 AM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Nikola Jokic made such an amazing pass it broke Aaron Gordon pic.twitter.com/hH3eLNaTUq – 12:26 AM

Ben Anderson @BensHoops
Lol, Draymond is flexing like Jokic isn’t eating him alive.
24/19/8 on 9-14 shooting. – 12:26 AM
Dan Favale @danfavale
i’m counting that jokic pass to gordon as an assist anyway – 12:26 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Man Jokic cannot pass the ball to ANYBODY lol – 12:24 AM
David Morrow @_DavidMorrow
Nuggets stay ruining these gorgeous Jokic passes lmao – 12:24 AM
Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
How many times did Jokic juggle that? Looked like 5-6 clean kicks to me. – 12:24 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic juggling a basketball with his feet is a fitting image of his comfort level in closeout games. – 12:24 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Jokic kicking the basketball around like a soccer ball at the end of that turnover… – 12:24 AM
David Morrow @_DavidMorrow
Oh man, Jokic. – 12:23 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Jokic is still on the floor coming out of this timeout. Let’s see how he’s moving. – 12:19 AM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
One-legged Jokic is a terrible outcome for the end of this game. The rest of the Nuggets shooting like their hands fell off for the last 5 minutes is also bad. – 12:17 AM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
It seems like Jokic is having some issue changing directions. He’s getting up and down the court but not moving much laterally at the moment. Warriors haven’t tested him yet defensively but he’s also not as fluid on offense since he came back in. – 12:16 AM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Don’t think Jokic is moving right. Gonna have to dig deep to close this one. – 12:16 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jokic to the scorer’s table. – 12:12 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic is on the sideline with five fouls. He was on a bike with a hot pack on his right thigh/hamstring area but I am told he is trying to keep loose with a hot pack while on sidelines. – 12:12 AM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
The Nuggets are trying to keep Cousins/Jokic out of the PNR with pre-switches. That still shouldn’t stop the Warriors. – 12:11 AM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
hate that this game is looking like it will be decided by jokic being hurt. he’s been so durable, brutal timing – 12:07 AM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
5 fouls on Nikola Jokic, then Jordan Poole picked up his 5th right after. – 12:07 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic picks up his fifth foul and it’s back to the bench. Boogie back in. – 12:06 AM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
That’s 5 on Jokic, so he sits. And 3 team fouls on the Nuggets. The entire offense should be getting Curry isolated on Cousins – 12:06 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Something isn’t right with Nikola Jokic. Was holding his right hamstring on his way back to the bench just now. – 12:06 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jokic picks up his fifth foul within a minute of checking back in. Devastating. He’s coming out and Boogie’s back in. – 12:05 AM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
Jokic: Fifth foul, 8:19 remaining – 12:05 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
DeMarcus Cousins is secretly having his best game in a Nuggets uniform and BOY did they need it. He’s up to 19 points in the game and more importantly bought Nikola Jokic more time in this game.
Jokic enters the game with a 83-79 lead. – 12:05 AM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Jokic returns with 8:48 left and a one point lead. Curry returns with him – 12:05 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic checks back in with 8:48 left and Nuggets up 83-79. – 12:04 AM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Time to get Jokic back in now. – 12:03 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nuggets trying to hang on for dear life with Joker on bench, Bones limping off and Austin Rivers injured. – 12:02 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Bones Hyland hobbles off, and Monte’s back in.
So now Denver’s down it’s best guard defender (Rivers) and another ball-handler in Bones.
Just need to hang on until Joker returns. – 12:02 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
An engaged Boogie can still be a threat. Mavs saw that when he played with Bucks in December. He’s been huge tonight and may have to continue to be if Jokic can’t come back – 11:58 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Joker rebounds: 19
Warriors rebounds: 27 – 11:58 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Denver’s rebounding advantage tonight through 3 quarters vs Warriors is now a 46-27 advantage. Nikola Jokic with 19 of them. – 11:57 PM
Carl Steward @stewardsfolly
Jokic, Gordon and Cousins have more rebounds than the entire Warriors team. Offensive rebounds 14-4 Denver. – 11:57 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic goes out much earlier than normal in the third and DeMarcus Cousins lifts Denver to an 8-point lead heading into the fourth. – 11:56 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Nikola Jokic goes to the bench for the final 4:05 of the 3rd and Denver stretches their lead from 1 to 8. Huge for them; Warriors in a rough place right now. – 11:56 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Nikola Jokic sits with a hamstring injury, a half after Austin Rivers pulls a hammy. pic.twitter.com/V3Kq0nOUe4 – 11:54 PM

Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Feels like the Warriors really need to take advantage of these minutes Jokic is on the bench but they haven’t so far. Denver is +4 in the 3+ minutes he’s been out, stretching their lead. – 11:54 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Nuggets getting every loose ball in this stretch since Jokic went out. – 11:54 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Joker comes out earlier than normal, likely so he can play the whole fourth quarter. Next three minutes are gigantic. – 11:50 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Man I would not have taken Jokic out right now. – 11:50 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets take Nikola Jokic out with 4:05 in the 3rd. That’s earlier than normal. DeMarcus Cousins is in with the starters and Bones Hyland. – 11:49 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
I really hope people appreciate the fact that the #2 defense in the NBA has resorted to zone and a box to stop Jokic. – 11:48 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Four fouls on Nikola Jokic now. All four came the first six minutes of the 3rd quarter. Nuggets look gassed all of a sudden. – 11:46 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Not good enough from Jokic, 1 on the clock they were of course handing off to Curry he didn’t get out there. – 11:45 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
They’re doing the box-and-one on Jokic AGAIN. Like Providence on an unstoppable guard. – 11:45 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Joker picks up his fourth foul, and Warriors have found some juice after Draymond’s 3. Ten-point lead down to five. – 11:44 PM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
Jokic picks up his fourth foul, 5:43 Q3 – 11:43 PM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Warriors finally attacking the rim. Jokic has picked up three fouls this quarter and has four. – 11:43 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Box and 1 on Jokic with Klay on him. – 11:42 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Poor Kevon Looney is being put through the chipper-shredder by Nikola Jokic. – 11:41 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Nikola Jokic is a hooper – 11:40 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic could have 20 and 20 way before the end of the third quarter. He’s at 18 points and 17 rebounds with 7:52 left in the third. – 11:39 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets up 8, their biggest lead of the night. Joker is going to the line for two more… and Chase Center barely has a pulse. – 11:39 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
jokic is slaughtering right now – 11:39 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
It’s amazing to watch GSW do everything right and Jokic just cutting them up with late-clock scoring on one possession and rebound tips on the other. He’s such a unique challenge. – 11:37 PM
David Morrow @_DavidMorrow
It won’t happen of course, but can you imagine the Jokic-Embiid discourse if the Sixers blew a 3-0 lead while the Nuggets came back from an 0-3 deficit in the same round? – 11:36 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
That pass from Jokic on the offensive rebound to Morris was yet another ridiculous dime. – 11:34 PM
Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
That Jokic touch pass – 11:33 PM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
Nuggets open second half with a lob, Jokic to Uncle Jeff Green – 11:29 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nuggets are locked at 48-48 heading into the half.
Defense.
Gordon has been dominant inside of the paint. He has 15 points & 5 rebounds. For coming GSW to foul.
Jokic has been in control inside with 12 points, 12 rebounds
If you’re Malone, what’s your message to the team? – 11:22 PM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Feels like Jokic is pacing himself, moving the ball, preserving his energy to takeover late. He was 5-for-9 in the first half. He was 6-for-9 in the first quarter of Game 4. – 11:22 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
GSW: Look, enough of these other guys, make Joker beat us
Joker: bet pic.twitter.com/aZ81dpWhp6 – 11:19 PM

Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Will Steve Kerr start the second half with the small ball lineup or start Kevon Looney? Denver’s Nikola Jokic had 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists in the first half. – 11:19 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Joker good. 12 pts 13 rebounds.
AG good. 15 pts.
Boogie good. 8 pts in 6 minutes.
Free throw attempts good. 20 of them in the first half.
Only giving up 3 points even though Denver has turned it over 9 times, you take that.
Some things to build on, all tied up at the half. – 11:14 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Halftime rotations for the Nuggets as it’s all knotted up at 48 in Game 5 vs GSW:
-Joker had 12-13-5 but 5 turnovers and some missed FTs. Denver needs perfection in 2H
-Aaron Gordon, take a bow, 15 points and some great defense. Be careful w/ the tech
-Boogie SAVED the bench pic.twitter.com/WjZ47GdU7d – 11:14 PM

Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Me: man, Jokic hasn’t had the greatest half
Jokic: 12 points on 9 shots, 13 rebounds, 5 assists
Me:
Jokic:
Me: Look it’s your fault that this is somehow not impressive – 11:12 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Nuggets all over the pet ATO screen the screener play to have Jeff Green switch out into Jokic’s spot – 11:09 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Jokic has learned the Marc Gasol defensive skill of being big, strong, and in the right place to be a problem (not to the Gasol level, but the Joker has improved so much on that end). – 11:08 PM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Nikola Jokic has a first-half double-double. He has 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Nuggets lead the Warriors 46-45 with 1:49 left in the second quarter. – 11:08 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets are about to take their 16th FTs of the 1st half. They’ve gotten games from AG (14 points), Joker (6/9/4) & Boogie (8 points). Haven’t let the Warriors get loose at all. They were close (or leading) midway through the 2nd in Games 1/2. Can’t fault their fight so far … – 10:59 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Nuggets are cumulative +2 in the DeMarcus Cousins minutes in this series. Major win for Denver, missed chance for Warriors. Lets Jokic rest comfortably. Cousins gets targeted on D, but he’s been a hassle for GSW to guard. At minimum, think he’s earned backup C gig this summer. – 10:58 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Jokic had the most subtle “OMG” pass we’ve seen in the series.
I just want to see how he got it out – 10:58 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Did anybody see that pass from Jokic??? Can we get a replay? – 10:57 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Game has slowed to a snail’s pace. With each FT (13 and counting for the #Nuggets), Joker gets a little more rest. – 10:52 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Aaron Gordon back in with the bench group. Normally Malone likes to pair him with Jokic. – 10:50 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Malone trying to buy time with Facu, Forbes, Bones, Jeff Green and Boogie on the floor. Three point guards for the Nuggets. Basically just go straight 90’s, pound the ball inside and let Boogie bully his way to the rim ball until Joker comes back in. – 10:43 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Looks like the official box score took one rebound away from Nikola Jokic. He now has nine boards for the first quarter. Nuggets are somehow only down five. Golden State has had several good looks. Denver keeps hanging around but it has to find more offense from somewhere. – 10:40 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets fortunate to be down just 30-25 after one. Five turnovers, and Warriors shooting *only* 4-of-10 from deep. Have missed a handful of good looks.
Joker ends the 1st with 6 points, 9 rebounds. (Must have taken one away since a minute ago he had 10). – 10:39 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nikola Jokic has 10 rebounds — in the 1st quarter. – 10:35 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Jokic is dying dramatically every time he misses a shot in this game, like he can’t believe the injustice of the ball thwarting his attempts to put it in.
It’s a personal slight. Hoping for very few such slights tonight – they need every point from Jokic. – 10:34 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Joker has 10 rebounds already in 11 minutes. – 10:33 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Another ridiculous Jokic pass for the Morris corner 3. – 10:28 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
A tech being called on AG for the ball thing but not Draymond for the attempted double-leg takedown thing, and then Jokic not getting the continuation or the shot on an OBVIOUS continuation are the annoying ways the refs affect things. Denver can’t lose composure play to play. – 10:27 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Incredible Jokic outlet to Gordon. Meanwhile, Warriors haven’t scored in over 3 minutes, missing a number of decent looks. – 10:27 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Beautiful go and catch from Jokic on Looney. One of the sneaky things about him that is tough to guard for centers, his off-ball movement – 10:25 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Nice job by Klay switching the little guard twist screen Nuggets like to run for Jokic out of timeouts. Denied him and forced ball to weakside for missed 3. – 10:21 PM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Jokic had to hustle back on defense and still couldn’t get to Looney cutting for a layup. When Looney fell on his drive, Jokic hustled down the floor to take make it a 5-on-4 … but he got caught in the air and turned it over. Three straight hard runs the length of the floor – 10:19 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jokic turns it over expecting Jeff Green to cut, then leaves Monte and Will as the last guys back in transition. I’d assume the Austin Rivers sub is coming very soon.
On another note, #Nuggets clearly force-feeding the ball inside. That’s 12 points in the paint in 5-plus mins. – 10:18 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Monte Morris furious at Denver’s lack of effort in transition getting back after the Jokic turnover. Only 1 guy ran back to join him. – 10:17 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Jokic is starting to figure out Draymond in the post. He’s had a few plays where he’s totally faked him out last few games, didn’t happen early on. – 10:10 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Holy shit what a postup by Joker – 10:09 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Biggest weakness of starting this lineup is if Draymond gets early fouls, particularly in the Jokic matchup. Gordon went right at him on the first possession to draw his first in transition. – 10:07 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Draymond Green’s first foul comes 20 seconds into the game. That’s the concern with this lineup. Didn’t even happen against Jokic. Came on an Aaron Gordon drive. – 10:07 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Warriors going with Steph, Poole, Klay, Wiggins and Draymond.
Nuggets going with their regular starters: Monte, Will, AG, Jeff Green and Joker. – 9:34 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets Game 5 starters
Monte Morris
Will Barton
Aaron Gordon
Jeff Green
Nikola Jokic – 9:34 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
We are live in the pregame lounge. Come join!
✅ The DNVR Genie is stopping by
✅ Is this the toughest playoff game of the Jokic era?
✅ New starters for GSW? Same starters for DEN?
youtube.com/watch?v=TqGmK8
 – 9:30 PM
Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
The Golden State Warriors host Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday at the Chase Center, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you th
 warriorswire.usatoday.com/lists/warriors
 – 2:56 PM

More on this storyline

Michael Singer: Nikola Jokic on the potential supermax this summer: “If offer’s on the table of course I’m going to accept it.” -via Twitter @msinger / April 28, 2022
Nikola Jokic became supermax eligible last season by virtue of winning his first MVP award. He will finally be able to sign it this offseason once he gets seven years of service on his belt. It is projected at $260 million over five years and would pay him $59.1 million in the 2027-28 season. His agent has already confirmed that Jokic plans on signing the extension this offseason. -via HoopsHype / April 28, 2022

Nuggets leaving it up to Jamal Murray when he returns

Michael Singer: Is it up to Jamal Murray if he returns? “100 percent,” Tim Connelly told @1043TheFan this morning. “We want him to feel no pressure, want him to know that the organization has his best interests in mind. 
 He’s done a great job in …

Michael Singer: Is it up to Jamal Murray if he returns? “100 percent,” Tim Connelly told @1043TheFan this morning. “We want him to feel no pressure, want him to know that the organization has his best interests in mind. 
 He’s done a great job in rehab, he looks really, really good.”

Source: Twitter @msinger

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Michael Singer @msinger
Is it up to Jamal Murray if he returns?
“100 percent,” Tim Connelly told @1043TheFan this morning.
“We want him to feel no pressure, want him to know that the organization has his best interests in mind. 
 He’s done a great job in rehab, he looks really, really good.” – 6:25 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
This is just my take from watching Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. shoot pregame over the last couple weeks. Murray looks like someone who’s ramping up to hopefully return. Porter looks like someone who’s just shooting. – 8:45 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Nothing was stopping Jamal Murray from putting in the work pregame pic.twitter.com/SsEafYd7BY – 8:45 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
New #Nuggets Ink podcast:
– We talk all things Jamal Murray/MPJ
– What’s up with Davon Reed
– My problem with the MVP poll
Leave us a review 🙏🏼. The best/most creative one will get a t-shirt that never should’ve seen the light of day.
https://t.co/AE2KYGL8DO pic.twitter.com/PUNnVz8A4b – 3:38 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Just thought about the prospect of Jamal Murray returning in the playoffs and having to do it in Chase Center if current playoff matchups hold. – 11:07 PM
Jamal Murray @BeMore27
OBI Putback😮‍💨 – 9:44 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
A reminder that no matter what happens this year, the Nuggets have the following players under contract for next season:
Nikola Jokić
Jamal Murray
Michael Porter Jr.
Aaron Gordon
Will Barton
Monte Morris
Bones Hyland
Zeke Nnaji – 6:09 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets injury report: Jamal Murray, MPJ, Vlatko and Zeke are all out. Jeff Green is questionable for personal reasons. – 5:33 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. both listed as out on Nuggets’ injury report for tomorrow vs. Grizzlies. – 5:31 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Don’t forget: A week ago, Michael Malone went out of his way to mention how valuable the play-in week would be when we talked about Jamal Murray potentially returning. Again, he didn’t rule out a postseason return, either. Any extra time re. Murray can help. – 2:32 PM
Jamal Murray @BeMore27
Nuggets Nation, check out the @MountainDew @NBA2K Court before the game @BallArenaDenver on Sunday!
Compete in the 3pt contest for some cool prizes. #ad pic.twitter.com/Ejaw4zW3VC – 1:23 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Asked Aaron Gordon what he’s telling Jamal Murray right now: “I tell him to take his time. You don’t want to rush this.” – 12:55 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Aaron Gordon on his message to Jamal Murray on if he should come back:
“Take your time
Numero uno is him. His health and well-being
first things first, take care of yourself.” – 12:44 AM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Jamal Murray just walked out of the tunnel to the Nuggets bench to watch this game and the Nuggets fans he walked by went nuts. Standing up, cheering for him, showing off their # 27 jerseys.
Murray smiled, the big kind of smile, and waved.
Hoping. Waiting. Wishing. – 9:33 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jamal Murray and MPJ were just starting their respective pre-game warmups before the junior #Nuggets dance team 
 kicked them off the floor about half an hour before tipoff. Good chance they go upstairs to the team’s practice court to get their pre-game work in. – 8:37 PM

More on this storyline

Ryan Blackburn: Jamal Murray is warming up pregame. Player development is waiting around to do some contact work as well. Michael Porter Jr. is not warming up on the main court. -via Twitter @NBABlackburn / April 7, 2022
Jamal Murray “wants to be back,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters Friday night following his team’s 136-130 loss to Minnesota at Ball Arena. “Yeah, I mean keep hope alive, like Jesse Jackson (said),” Malone offered during his postgame news conference when asked about fans who still pined for Murray’s return this season. -via Denver Post / April 2, 2022