The Denver Nuggets’ season is officially finished. Unfortunately for the Nuggets and their fans, it happened in the most dramatic fashion possible: blowing a 20-point lead in a Game 7 loss at home.

While Michael Malone was visibly upset about the loss when speaking to the media, Nikola Jokic responded calmly.

“I think the team who wins is the better team,” Jokic stated after the game. “You have a best-of-seven series, the team that wins is the better team.”

Almost every analyst, critic, and NBA fan anticipated the Denver Nuggets to win the NBA championship again this season. They were the favorites all season and for the most of the playoffs. Instead, the club failed to make the Western Conference Finals. Nikola Jokic says it’s because every other team has progressed during the previous season.

“I do not know. “We didn’t do that, so I’m not sure,” Jokic remarked about failing to repeat. “It’s difficult because the teams are hungrier and more talented than previous year, undoubtedly. Everyone has improved, and they most likely want to beat us. That is my cognitive process.

Throughout the majority of the Nuggets’ losses to the Timberwolves, the club failed to convert on wide-open three-point attempts. It was no different in Game 7, when the Nuggets lost a 20-point lead in the second half.

“Sometimes you make shots, sometimes you miss shots,” Jokic stated. “Today, I believe we missed a number of nice shots, but it’s not entirely our fault. They play good defense, which is why they are the best in the NBA.”

The Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic will have far more time this summer than anyone could have predicted. If there is one silver lining to the loss, it is that the club will be much more hungry next season than they were this season.