Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has admitted he struggles against certain NBA defenders despite his reputation as one of the league’s toughest matchups. Speaking on the Jaomile Podcast, Jokic said players like Ivica Zubac and Jusuf Nurkic give him trouble because of their similar size and strength, making it hard to move them in the paint. He also praised Rudy Gobert’s defensive skills, acknowledging the French center’s impact even amid criticism from others. Jokic added that younger big men such as Jalen Duren and Wendell Carter Jr. Pose challenges due to their toughness and positioning, while singling out Victor Wembanyama as a unique problem because of his length and versatility. He went further, stating that the entire Oklahoma City Thunder team presents a difficult matchup due to their coordinated defensive schemes designed to stop him. This comes as Denver Nuggets have won their last five games, including a 127-107 victory over Oklahoma City Thunder on 2026-04-11 and a 118-128 win against San Antonio Spurs on 2026-04-13. The Nuggets have also beaten Memphis Grizzlies 136-119 on 2026-04-09 and Golden State Warriors 116-93 on 2026-03-30, showing strong form heading into the playoffs. Jokic’s ability to score, rebound and assist makes him a perennial MVP candidate, but even he adjusts his game when facing elite interior defense or switching schemes. His honesty about these struggles highlights the respect he has for peers who can disrupt his rhythm, whether through size, timing or team-oriented tactics. Fans can follow the team’s progress through the upcoming schedule on our schedule page as Denver Nuggets aim to maintain their winning momentum.