In a crushing defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Denver Nuggets found themselves not only battling against their opponents but also expressing their displeasure with NBA referees. The team's frustration with officiating has been a recurring issue throughout the season.

During Game 2, head coach Michael Malone, guard Jamal Murray, and forward Aaron Gordon all exhibited their frustration towards the referees. Malone's outburst occurred after a controversial call against Murray, which he believed should have been a charge on Karl-Anthony Towns. However, this incident was just one in a series of disputes between Malone and the officials - a testament to the ongoing frustrations surrounding the team.

One particular concern revolves around Nikola Jokic, who is on the path to becoming a three-time MVP. Jokic's aggressive playstyle often finds him in the paint, leading to physical encounters and frequent fouls. Surprisingly, Jokic averaged only 5.5 free throws per game, ranking 26th in the league. This is in stark contrast to other MVP contenders, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid, who averaged 10.6 and 11.7 free throws respectively.

The lack of free throw opportunities for Jokic is perplexing, especially considering the Nuggets' offensive strategy. Despite taking the third-most two-point field goals and shooting the fewest threes in the league, the Nuggets only scored 13.2% of their points from the free-throw line, the fifth-lowest mark in NBA history. This disparity raises questions about the consistency of officiating and the fairness of calls made during Nuggets games.

Following the Game 2 loss, Aaron Gordon voiced his frustration, claiming that Jokic is not receiving the fouls he deserves. Gordon criticized the lack of communication with the officials and expressed disappointment in their failure to address the situation. Describing Jokic as being "hacked all year," Gordon emphasized his belief that the MVP candidate should be shooting more free throws.

The Nuggets' discontent with officiating extends beyond their recent game against the Timberwolves. In the regular season, Jokic faced a soft flop call, a rule that seemingly disappeared during the playoffs. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr also made note of Jokic's treatment by officials, criticizing the excessive number of free throws being awarded.

The Nuggets' ongoing battle with referees has been a longstanding issue, with the team experiencing both the worst and best officiated performances, according to the NBA's own review. The frustration resulting from their blowout loss to the Timberwolves is a reflection of the cumulative grievances regarding officiating that the team has accumulated over the years.

As the Nuggets continue their playoff journey, their discontent with the referees remains a significant point of concern. It is clear that the team's faith in the integrity of officiating and subsequent outcomes will need to be addressed for them to progress successfully.