5 Things we learned from the opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs

D.J. Augustin's game-winning three-pointer was one of many highlights of the first weekend of Playoff basketball
D.J. Augustin's game-winning three-pointer was one of many highlights of the first weekend of Playoff basketball

#5 Nikola Jokic needs to assert himself more on offense for the Nuggets

San Antonio Spurs v Denver Nuggets - Game One
San Antonio Spurs v Denver Nuggets - Game One

Of all the things that Nikola Jokic does well, one of the things that he struggles with sometimes is asserting himself as a scorer. On Saturday night against the Spurs, Jokic finished with 10 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. For someone who has become not only a franchise centerpiece but one of the biggest rising stars in basketball, 10 points are not going to cut it.

For a team like the Denver Nuggets who finished the regular season with the best home record in basketball, Saturday's loss has to feel like a kick in the mouth. For Jokic and the Nuggets, if they want to take the next step as a serious contender to the Golden State Warriors' dynasty, then they have to win home playoff games against mediocre opponents like the 2018-2019 San Antonio Spurs. Jamal Murray and Gary Harris cannot win this series on their own without their big, Serbian center.

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