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Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon didn't hold back after his team's Game 3 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, criticizing the referees' officiating and the Thunder's increasingly physical defensive tactics on Nikola Jokic. Gordon expressed frustration over what he perceived as excessive contact allowed on Jokic, accusing the Thunder players of being overly 'handsy' in their attempts to contain the two-time MVP. This critique comes amidst a series where the Nuggets are battling to stay competitive against a tenacious Thunder squad, and Jokic's ability to impact the game has been noticeably hampered.

The frustration was palpable in Gordon's post-game comments. He specifically pointed to the frequency with which Thunder defenders were allowed to make contact with Jokic, often grabbing and impeding his movements. "They're just being handsy with him," Gordon stated. "It's a lot. It's a lot of grabbing, a lot of holding. And it's not being called. It's tough to play against that when you're getting constantly fouled or just held up." He further questioned the referees' consistency in calling fouls, suggesting that a different standard might be applied.

The physical nature of the Thunder's defense isn't a new development. Throughout the series, Oklahoma City has employed a strategy of aggressive perimeter defense and physical interior play, particularly targeting Jokic. While this approach has been effective in disrupting the Nuggets' offensive flow, it has also drawn criticism for potentially crossing the line. The Thunder’s defensive scheme aims to wear down Jokic, limiting his scoring opportunities and forcing other Nuggets players to take on a larger offensive load. However, Gordon believes this strategy is being facilitated by a lack of consistent officiating.

Jokic's performance in Game 3 was below his usual standards, and Gordon's comments suggest that the constant physical pressure is a significant factor. While Jokic is known for his resilience and ability to overcome adversity, the cumulative effect of being targeted so intensely could be impacting his effectiveness. The Nuggets face an uphill battle in this series, and addressing the officiating and the Thunder's defensive tactics will be crucial if they hope to turn the tide.

Looking ahead, the Nuggets will need to adapt and find ways to mitigate the impact of the Thunder's physicality. This could involve Jokic utilizing his strength to better absorb contact, or the team focusing on setting stronger screens to create space for him. Ultimately, Gordon’s comments highlight a growing concern within the Nuggets camp – that the referees aren’t adequately protecting their star player and allowing the Thunder to play a style that borders on excessive physicality. The remaining games of the series promise to be intensely contested, with officiating likely to be a major point of discussion.