May 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) celebrates with guard Jamal Murray (27) after scoring the winning basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.

Speaking on "Inside the NBA" on Sunday night, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley spoke about Jokic's sagging performance--and blamed the Nuggets for using a short rotation and having no true backup big man.

It started innocuously. Murray missed an open catch-and-shoot 3 when the Thunder doubled Jokic in the post. Porter pulled up in space when OKC didn’t pick him up during a transition push, but his shot fell short of the rim. Gordon missed a drive-and-kick jumper from the corner, where he’s been lights out. The offense was generating good looks.

The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder couldn’t wake up their offense with an early tip for Game 4 on Sunday.

The difference was Denver’s role players stepped up, showing the composure of a championship team that had been there before. That started with Aaron Gordon, who scored 17 points and hit the clutch 3-pointer that forced overtime. AARON GORDON TIES THE GAME AT 102! We are heading to OT on ESPN for Game 3! pic.twitter.com/Tr1gCS2jLa

Though he didn't turn in his best effort of the season in Game 3, David Adelman was still proud of Nikola Jokic for his contributions.