Nuggets face serious questions after latest playoff exit

State of play: Against Minnesota, the Nuggets lacked consistent scoring, turned the ball over and got little help off the bench.

Catch up quick: Point guard Jamal Murray entered the playoffs fresh off his first All-Star appearance, but his usual postseason swagger was absent. He publicly blamed himself for the team's Game 6 loss.

• Superstar Nikola Jokić's game was off throughout the series, at least by his lofty standards. Despite scoring 28 points in the final game, the three-time MVP ended with the least efficient playoff series of his career.
• He struggled against Minnesota big man Rudy Gobert.
• Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon's absence proved costly, as he battled injuries throughout the season. The Nuggets needed the 30-year-old forward to stay healthy to provide a critical defensive presence.

The good news: Jokić says he wants to remain in Denver, and he appears ready to sign a contract extension this summer.

Peyton Watson, who's blossomed into a defensive standout, could leave the team when he becomes a free agent this summer. And Gordon's name is already being floated as a potential bargaining chip for Denver.

The bottom line: The fault is in the stars for the Denver Nuggets.

• Jokić, Murray and Gordon brought the Nuggets their first NBA title in 2023, but perhaps a roster overhaul could propel Denver back to title contention.