Nikola Jokic has done everything he can for the Denver Nuggets of late as they try to overcome the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in their NBA playoffs second-round series.
In four games played thus far, the three-time NBA MVP has averaged 26.5 points, 14.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks in 40.3 minutes per contest.
Despite Jokic's heroics, however, the Nuggets remain in a precarious situation as they see themselves tied 2-2 in the Thunder series heading into Game 5 on Tuesday.
NBA on TNT's Charles Barkley could not help but go on a brutally honest Jokic rant before the game.
"This guy has more responsibility than any player in the NBA," Barkley stated.
"It's kind of unfair, but that's just the way it is. Like, no other player has to lead their team in scoring, rebounding, and assists. And there's a lot of great players in this league, but no player has the responsibility that the Joker has."
Barkley then turned his attention to Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., who he believes have to play much better for Denver.
"Listen, we've got to also call out Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.," Barkley said. "Because, yeah, when you're a star, you get all the credit, you get all the blame. That goes with it.
"But they've got to give him some help. It's not his job to keep those guys fresh. It's their damn job to play better. They get a paycheck, too, you know."
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Jamal Murray (27)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Jamal Murray (27)
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Ernie Johnson then pointed out that Porter, in particular, is playing through a shoulder injury, which led to some sympathy from Barkley. The former NBA MVP, however, did not hesitate to call out Murray.
"I'm going to give [Porter] a little bit (of a pass because of his injury), but Jamal Murray's not hurt," Barkley said. "He's the guy. He's the second-best player on the team. But Aaron Gordon's been the second-best player."
Murray hasn't exactly been terrible in the Thunder series. The 6-foot-4 combo guard has put up 19.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.3 triples in four games against OKC.
However, Barkley is very well aware of the fact that Murray can do a lot better than this, and he is now calling on the Nuggets star to step it up heading into their pivotal Game 5 matchup on Tuesday night.