Shaquille O’Neal’s refusal to credit Gobert looks worse after Jokic’s Game 4 struggle

Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post

Nikola Jokic has produced solid numbers against the Minnesota Timberwolves, yet his overall impact has fallen below the standard typically associated with him.

Many observers have pointed to Rudy Gobert as a key factor, with the French centre’s defensive presence repeatedly disrupting Jokic’s rhythm throughout the series.

That context has grown more significant after Denver’s third straight defeat, a 112-96 loss that leaves the Nuggets trailing 3-1 and searching for answers.

Shaquille O’Neal’s stance questioned again after Nikola Jokic’s struggles

Photo by Emilee Chinn – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Shaquille O’Neal had already made his position clear on Inside the NBA before Game 4, dismissing the idea that Gobert was responsible for Jokic’s dip in efficiency.

The Lakers legend said: “When you’re a great player like Joker, we don’t think people are stopping us. We are just off. We are just having a bad game. When you’re a guy like Joker, you’re just missing shots. I’m not going to sit up here and say Rudy Gobert is shutting him down, I’m never going to say that.”

However, the latest game added weight to the opposing argument, as Gobert once again delivered a disciplined defensive performance.

Jokic shot just 36% from the field on 22 attempts in the Game 4 defeat, marking his third consecutive outing with 40% or less in terms of shooting efficiency.

That stands in stark contrast to his 56.9% field goal average during the regular season, reinforcing the idea that his struggles are not simply random variance.

The ongoing trend has intensified debate around O’Neal’s comments, with Gobert’s influence becoming harder to dismiss.