Nikola Jokic was worried about how the Nuggets carried out in the previous season. According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Denver has also lost its first two regular season games, but the superstar center says the offense just isn’t clicking yet.

“I think it’s difficult for us to score a goal” said Jokic. “We got 87 and 104 points in our two games. That’s not enough. In today’s NBA you have to score more points. I think the defense was good, so that’s a positive. But we just don’t get enough points. We don’t shoot. Open looks don’t go in. We’re just not converting and executing the way we need to.”

Jones points out Christian Braun is still settling into the starting lineup Russell Westbrook, Dario Saric and sophomore shooting guard Julian Strawther I’m trying to do the same with the second unit.

We have more from the Western Conference:

• With Spurs Backup point guard Tre Jones out of action due to an ankle sprain, Malaki Branham has been added to the rotation, notes Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News. Branham had seven points, two assists and two blocks in 14 minutes against Houston on Saturday. “We have so many people on this team who can contribute” forward Harrison Barnes said. “It’s about the next man up staying ready and being professional. That’s one of the biggest things about our team.” The Spurs picked up the 2025-26 option on Branham’s contract earlier this month.
• Timberwolves guard Mike Conley has excruciating wrist pain, tweets Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Conley has been dealing with the problem for several years and will have to deal with it after his playing days are over, Krawczynski added. However, he won’t blame his poor shooting (20%) in the first three games on his wrist, as he has successfully overcome the problem in the past.
• Cason Wallace demonstrated his defensive skills thunder against Hawks star Trae Young in the fourth quarter on Sunday and held Young without a fourth-quarter field goal. Young also committed three turnovers during this portion of OKC’s 24-point win. “It’s a lot of fun to compete at one of the highest levels” Wallace told Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman. “I pride myself on not wanting to score, especially in an iso situation.” Wallace was the 10th pick of the 2023 draft.