Paul Pierce Blasts Nikola Jokic After Poor First-Round Performance
NBA Legend Paul Pierce had some tough words for Nikola Jokic while discussing the Nuggets' first-round exit against the Timberwolves. Jokic struggled mightily against the injury-depleted Timberwolves, who were missing Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo for most of the series. On the No Fouls Given podcast, Pierce said he doesn't believe that Jokic is receiving enough criticism for this loss.
"Let this had have been LeBron at the peak of his powers. What we would have been saying?" -@paulpierce34 on Nikola Jokic losing to the depleted Timberwolves in the first round
— No Fouls Given (@NFGShow) May 1, 2026
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"He's in his prime," said Pierce. "You're the best player in the league, you're not supposed to lose in the first round."
Pierce compared Jokic to LeBron and the treatment he received for losing early in his career. Pierce argues that had LeBron been in this situation, he would be getting lampooned for this. If Jokic is going to be considered the best player in the world, he should be held to a higher standard.
"Had that been Lebron, at 29, after winning 3 out of 4 MVPs, he would be getting scolded tomorrow," said Pierce. "And if we're saying Joker and the international game is better than America's, and he's the best player, and this is what's happening? C'mon now."
Pierce went further with his criticism of Jokic and the Nuggets, comparing the team to Instagram models. According to Pierce, like the models, the Nuggets looked really good online and in the lead-up to the series. However, when he saw them play, he was very disappointed because they didn't look as good in person.
Paul Pierce compares the Denver Nuggets to Instagram models
— No Fouls Given (@NFGShow) May 1, 2026
New episode: https://t.co/JTdqrRw4zApic.twitter.com/obuY0E1rYA
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 10:32 AM.