Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook has woes continue with brutal Draymond Green turnover

Nikola Jokic was fuming in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 118-104 loss to the Warriors.

It’s not often that Nikola Jokic completely loses his cool in a game, but he did during the Denver Nuggets’ 118-104 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Friday. Jokic was raging on the bench in the fourth quarter and even slammed his bottle in frustration.

Jokic kept ranting for quite some time there, and you do feel for him considering what happened on the night. The 30-year-old had scored 15 points in the first quarter alone to give the Nuggets a 44-34 lead at the end of the quarter.

Jokic gave the Nuggets a great platform to build from, but then watched in dismay as his teammates squandered much of that lead when he sat on the bench for about the first six minutes of the second quarter. By the time the three-time MVP re-entered, the Nuggets were only up 49-48.

The tide had turned by then, and the Warriors would seize control of the contest despite Jokic’s best efforts. He put up 33 points (13-17 FG), 12 rebounds, nine assists, and two steals on the night, and the team still lost by double digits.

This loss comes days after the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Nuggets 140-139 in double overtime despite Jokic recording a 61-point triple-double. You can certainly understand if his frustrations are growing with him.

Nikola Jokic makes NBA triple-double history as Denver beat Phoenix - BBC Sport

The Nuggets have now lost three in a row to drop to 47-31 this season. They are fourth in the West and are in real danger of slipping even further down the standings, as the Warriors have improved to 46-31.

The sixth-placed Timberwolves are also just 1.5 games behind the Nuggets now with a 45-32 record. The Timberwolves have the tiebreaker as well, having swept the season series.

The Nuggets need to steady the ship soon, as they are stumbling at the worst possible time. Jamal Murray returning from injury would help matters, but it’s unclear when he’ll be back.

The Nuggets are in action next against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena on Sunday at 8 PM ET. The Pacers have won eight of their last 10 games and will provide the Nuggets a very stern challenge.

Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook has woes continue with brutal Draymond Green turnover

Nikola Jokic's Historic Playoff Performance Is Elevating The Denver Nuggets

Draymond Green’s defensive play against Russell Westbrook sums up what continues to be a brutal week for the Denver Nuggets guard.

Westbrook’s display in Friday’s matchup between the Nuggets and Golden State Warriors was one to forget. In 20 minutes of action, he finished with five points, four rebounds and two assists. However, he shot 2-of-9 from the field, including 1-of-3 from beyond the arc.

He also committed four turnovers throughout the game, with one standing out in particular. With 8:35 left in the fourth quarter as the Warriors led 104-91, Westbrook stole the ball as he tried to dribble past Green. However, he lost control of the ball as he turned it over without any pressure from the Warriors star.