Jokić was selected by the Nuggets in the second round of the2014 NBA draft. He was voted to theNBA All-Rookie First Team in2016. In the2018–19 NBA season, while leading the Nuggets to theWestern Conference Semifinals, Jokić received his first All-Star and All-NBA First Team selections. The following season, he once again received All-Star and All-NBA honors, while leading his team to theWestern Conference Finals. In the2022–23 NBA season, Jokić was awardedNBA Finals MVP after leading the Nuggets to their first-everNBA championship. He ranks third all-time among NBA players with themost triple-doubles and holds the record for the fastest triple-double (achieved in 14 minutes and 33 seconds).[5] He is the only NBA player ever to achieve a 30+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 20+ assists game.[6]
Early life and education
Jokić was born in the city ofSombor in thenorthern part ofSerbia.[7] He grew up in a two-bedroom apartment that housed him, his two brothers, parents, and grandmother.[8] He attended primary school "Dositej Obradović."[9] His father was an agricultural engineer.[10] Jokić developed a love of basketball early in his life playing with his two older brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja, who were a decade older.[8] Both brothers played basketball in Serbia with Nemanja later playingcollege basketball forDetroit Mercy andC.W. Post and for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Steamers in thePremier Basketball League.[11] The brothers are friends with former NBA playerDarko Miličić.[11] Jokić also lovedharness racing as a child and competed as an amateur, a passion he still holds today.[7][12][13]
Professional career
Mega Basket (2012–2015)
Jokić played youth basketball forVojvodina Srbijagas,[14] drawing attention when he had achieved atotal index rating greater than 50 in two consecutive games.[15] In December 2012, Jokić signed a contract withMega Vizura, although in the first season with the team he played mostly for their junior team in 2012–13.[16] At the age of 17, Jokić appeared in five games of theSerbian League and averaged 1.8 points and 2.0 rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game.[17] In February 2013, he officially signed a four-year contract with the team.[18]
In the 2013–14 season, Jokić saw more minutes on the court for the senior team. Over 25Adriatic League games, he averaged 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.[19] Jokić also played 13 games with the team in theSerbian League and had similar production, averaging 10.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
2014–15 season: ABA League MVP and rebounding title
On June 26, 2014, Jokić was selected by theDenver Nuggets with the 41st overall pick in the2014 NBA draft.[20] Jokic was famously drafted by the Denver Nuggets during a Taco Bell commercial, which overshadowed his selection.[21][22][23] In the first game of theAdriatic League, Jokić led his team to a 103–98 victory overMZT Skopje, by scoring 27 points and grabbing 15 rebounds for a total index rating of 44.[24][25] On November 3, Jokić recorded 17 points, 12 rebounds and season-high eight assists for a total index rating of 40, in a 90–84 victory overZadar.[26] On February 7, 2015, he scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in an 88–77 loss toSzolnoki Olaj.[27] On March 21, Jokić scored a season-high 28 points and added 15 rebounds to help his team win 100–96 overIgokea.[28] Although Mega Leks finished in 10th place in the Adriatic League, Jokić became one of the league's most valuable players.
On June 8, 2015, Jokić scored 23 points in a loss toCrvena Zvezda in the playoff semifinals of theSerbian League.[29] He averaged 18.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in the Serbian League.[30] In the2014–15 ABA League, Jokić averaged 15.4 points, league-leading 9.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while leading the league with an index rating of 22.[31] He was named MVP four times over the course of the season: for Round 1,[32] Round 6,[33] Round 21[34] Round 26[35] and was named MVP for February.[36] On March 26, 2015, Jokić was officially named theAdriatic League regular season MVP.[37] He was also named theABA League Top Prospect for the2014–15 season.[38] On June 9, Jokić parted ways with the team to pursue an NBA career.[39]
Denver Nuggets (2015–present)
2015–16 season: All-Rookie honors
In the summer of 2015, Jokić joined theDenver Nuggets, one season after being drafted. On July 28, 2015, he signed a contract with the Nuggets after averaging 8.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in five summer league games for the team.[40] On November 18, Jokić had a then season-best game with 23 points and 12 rebounds in a 109–98 loss to theSan Antonio Spurs.[41] On January 10, 2016, he recorded a then career-high nine assists in a 95–92 victory over theCharlotte Hornets.[42] On February 1, he recorded career highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds in a 112–93 win over theToronto Raptors.[43] On April 8, Jokić set a new career high with 15 rebounds in a 102–98 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.[44] At the end of the season, he finished third in the 2016NBA Rookie of the Year Award voting[45] and earnedNBA All-Rookie First Team honors.[46]
2016–17 season: Improving as a sophomore
On October 29, 2016, Jokić recorded 23 points and a then career-high 17 rebounds in a 115–113 overtime loss to thePortland Trail Blazers.[47] After starting the first eight games of the season, Jokić was moved to the bench on November 12. He remained coming off the bench for the next 14 games.[48] During that stretch as a bench player, Jokić had a season-high 27 points and 11 rebounds in a 112–92 loss to theDallas Mavericks on December 12.[49] Three days later, he was reinserted into the starting lineup, and the Nuggets scored 132 points in a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers with Jokić acting as the fulcrum of the offense, passing out of the high post and short rolling to the rim. Fans subsequently began referring to December 15 as "Jokmas" in celebration of the team's decision to build around Jokić rather thanJusuf Nurkić or first-round pickEmmanuel Mudiay.[50][51] Jokić recorded a then career-high 11 assists in a 105–103 victory over theMinnesota Timberwolves.[52] On January 16, 2017, he scored a then career-high 30 points in a 125–112 victory over theOrlando Magic.[53] Jokić surpassed that mark three days later, scoring 35 points in a 118–104 loss to theSan Antonio Spurs.[54] On February 3, he recorded his first career triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in a 121–117 victory over theMilwaukee Bucks.[55] Exactly a week later, Jokić scored a then career-high 40 points to lead the Nuggets to a 131–123 victory over theNew York Knicks. He went 17 of 23 from the field and added nine rebounds and five assists.[56] On February 13, Jokić set career highs with 12 assists and 21 rebounds to go with 17 points in his second career triple-double in a 132–110 victory over theGolden State Warriors.[57]
On February 28, 2017, Jokić recorded his third career triple-double with 19 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in a 125–107 victory over theChicago Bulls.[58] The following night, he had his second straight triple-double and fourth of his career—all within 13 games. Jokić finished with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 110–98 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.[59] On March 16, he recorded his fifth triple-double of the season with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 129–114 victory over theLos Angeles Clippers.[60] On March 31, Jokić recorded his sixth triple-double of the season with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 122–114 loss to theCharlotte Hornets.[61] He finished the season with a 29-point, 16-rebound, eight-assist effort in a 111–105 season-finale victory over theOklahoma City Thunder on April 12.[62] Jokić's six triple-doubles ranked fourth on the season behindRussell Westbrook (42),James Harden (22) andLeBron James (13).[63] At the end of the season, Jokić finished second in the2017NBA Most Improved Player Award voting,[64] as well as in the2017 Assist of the Year voting.[65]
2017–18 season: Franchise player
Jokić in 2018
On November 7, 2017, Jokić scored a then career-high 41 points in a 112–104 win over theBrooklyn Nets.[66] Six days later, he was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from November 6 to November 12. Jokić became the 17th Nugget in franchise history to earn Player of the Week honors and the first sinceTy Lawson in March 2013.[67] Jokić had a seven-game absence with a left ankle sprain in early December.[68] On January 8, 2018, he had his first triple-double of the season with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 124–114 loss to theGolden State Warriors.[69] On February 15, in a 134–123 victory over theMilwaukee Bucks, Jokić recorded 30 points, 15 rebounds and a then career-high 17 assists, reaching a triple-double with 1:54 remaining in the second quarter.[70] He recorded the quickest triple-double in NBA history in 14 minutes and 33 seconds, bestingJim Tucker's previous record of 17 minutes from 1955.[71] Eight days later, he recorded his third straight triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 122–119 victory over theSan Antonio Spurs.[72]
On March 15, Jokić recorded his eighth triple-double of the season with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 120–113 victory over theDetroit Pistons, thus setting the most triple-doubles by a Nuggets player in a season sinceFat Lever had nine in 1988–89.[73] On April 1, he had 35 points and 13 rebounds in a 128–125 overtime victory over the Bucks.[74] Eight days later, he was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from April 2 to April 8, thus earning his second Player of the Week nod for the season.[75] Later that day, Jokić recorded 15 points, a season-best 20 rebounds, and 11 assists in an 88–82 victory over thePortland Trail Blazers, thus securing his 16th career triple-double and his 10th of the season.[76] In the Nuggets' regular season finale on April 11, Jokić recorded 35 points and 10 rebounds in a 112–106 overtime loss to theMinnesota Timberwolves. It was his seventh 30-point game of the season. The loss ruled the Nuggets out of the playoffs with a 46–36 record. It was the first final-day play-in game in the NBA in 21 years, with Minnesota also vying for a spot in the playoffs.[77]
2018–19 season: Breakout season, first All-Star and All-NBA appearances
On July 9, 2018, Jokić signed a five-year, $148 million maximum contract extension with the Nuggets.[78][79] On October 20, in the second game of the season, Jokić recorded 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 119–91 victory over thePhoenix Suns. He joinedWilt Chamberlain as the only players in NBA history to post a triple-double with 30 or more points without missing a field goal—Chamberlain did it twice, in 1966 and 1967.[80] Jokić also became just the second Nugget to record a triple-double in the first two games of the season, joiningFat Lever.[81] Jokić went on to earn Western Conference Player of the Week honors for the first week of the season, becoming the sixth player in franchise history to win the award three or more times, joiningAlex English,Dikembe Mutombo,Carmelo Anthony,Allen Iverson andChauncey Billups.[82] On November 3, Jokić had a season-high 16 assists and 10 rebounds to go along with seven points in a 103–88 victory over theUtah Jazz.[83] Six days later, he had a season-high 37 points and tied his career best with 21 rebounds in a 112–110 loss to theBrooklyn Nets.[84] For his efforts in 2018, Jokić was recognized as theSerbian Player of the Year by theBasketball Federation of Serbia.[85][86]
On January 5, 2019, Jokić scored a then season-high 39 points, along with 12 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a 123–110 victory over theCharlotte Hornets.[87] His second Player of the Week honor came for games played from December 31 to January 6.[88] On January 8, Jokić had his fourth triple-double of the season with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 103–99 win over theMiami Heat.[89] It was the 20th triple-double of his NBA career. At age 23, Jokić became the third-youngest player to reach 20 triple-doubles;Oscar Robertson andMagic Johnson were both 22 at the time of their 20th.[90] Two days later, he had 18 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a 121–100 victory over theLos Angeles Clippers.[91] On January 13, Jokić scored a season-high 40 points in 116–113 victory over thePortland Trail Blazers.[92] Six days later, he had his sixth triple-double of the season with 19 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds in a 124–102 victory over theCleveland Cavaliers.[93] It was Jokić's 22nd career triple-double, thus passingKareem Abdul-Jabbar to move to second place on the NBA all-time triple-doubles list by a 7-footer.[94][95] On January 23, he recorded 28 points and 21 rebounds in a 114–108 loss to the Jazz.[96] Four days later, after serving a one-game suspension for leaving the bench during an on-court fracas against the Jazz, Jokić recorded his seventh triple-double with 32 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists in a 126–110 victory over thePhiladelphia 76ers.[97] On January 31, Jokić received his first All-Star selection as a Western Conference reserve for the2019 NBA All-Star Game, becoming the Nuggets' first All-Star since Anthony in 2011.[98] Six days later, Jokić recorded his 10th triple-double of the season with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 135–130 loss to the Nets.[99] On February 13, Jokić recorded his 12th triple-double of the season with 20 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists, while also tipping in the game winning shot with 0.3 seconds remaining to lift the Nuggets to a 120–118 victory over theSacramento Kings.[100] His 12 triple-doubles ranked second on the season behind only Westbrook (34).[101] On March 14, Jokic hit a rainbow hook-shot at the buzzer against theDallas Mavericks to award Denver a 100–99 win.[102]
In Game 1 of theNuggets' first-round playoff series against theSan Antonio Spurs, Jokić became the fourth player in NBA history to record a triple-double in his playoff debut and the first since James in 2006. Jokić had 10 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in the 101–96 loss.[103] In Game 6 of the series, he scored 27 of his 43 points in the second half of the Nuggets' 120–103 loss. Jokić also had 12 rebounds and nine assists.[104] Those 43 points set a franchise record for most points in a playoff game.[105] In Game 7, he helped the Nuggets win the series, recording 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 90–86 victory.[106] In Game 1 of the second round, Jokić scored 37 points in a 121–113 victory over the Trail Blazers,[107] becoming the first Nuggets player to score 35+ points in a conference semifinals game since Anthony (41 points) in May 2009.[108] In Game 3 against Portland, Jokić had 33 points, 18 rebounds, and 14 assists in a 140–137 quadruple-overtime loss.[109] He also logged 65 minutes during the game, the most since 1953, where another quadruple-overtime game occurred in the playoffs.[110] In Game 4, Jokić had 21 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in a 116–112 win.[111] In Game 5, he recorded 25 points and 19 rebounds in a 124–98 victory. His 19 rebounds tied a team NBA playoff high.[112] The Nuggets were eliminated from the playoffs following a 100–96 loss to Portland in Game 7, despite Jokić's 29 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks.[113][114] In 14 playoff games, he averaged 25.1 points, 13.0 rebounds and 8.4 assists in 39.7 minutes per game, with shooting splits of 50.6%/39.3%/84.6% field goals/three-point shots/free throws.[115] Following the season, Jokić was named as a player on theAll-NBA First Team, a personal first for Jokić.[116]
2019–20 season: Western Conference Finals and NBA Bubble comebacks
On November 8, 2019, Jokić made a game-winning jumper against thePhiladelphia 76ers with 1.2 seconds remaining, to give the Nuggets a 98–97 victory, rallying from a 21-point deficit.[117] In the next game two days later, he hit yet another game-winning jumper in a 100–98 overtime victory over theMinnesota Timberwolves.[118] On January 6, 2020, Jokić scored a then career-high 47 points against theAtlanta Hawks in a 123–115 road victory.[119] On February 4, he recorded 30 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 98–95 victory over theUtah Jazz; it was the first 30/20/10 game by any NBA player in four years, and only the third since Abdul-Jabbar in 1976.[120] On January 30, Jokić was selected to his second consecutiveAll-Star nod,[121] becoming the first Nugget since Anthony in 2011 to have back-to-back honors.[122][123]
In the first round playoff series against theUtah Jazz, Jokić closed the series with ahook shot to break the 78–78 score into 80–78 with 27 seconds remaining in the game, winning it for the Nuggets. He finished with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists.[124] On September 13, Jokić recorded 34 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists to lead Denver to a 111–98 Game 6 victory, overcoming a 19-point deficit in the second half.[125] Two days later, Jokić recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 22 rebounds, and 13 assists to lead Denver to a 104–89 Game 7 victory over the heavily favoredLos Angeles Clippers. Jokić joinedTim Duncan andKevin Garnett as the only players in league history to post a 20-rebound triple-double in the postseason. With the win, the Nuggets became the first team in NBA history to come back from multiple 3–1 deficits in a single postseason.[126] However, the Nuggets would go on to lose theWestern Conference Finals in five games to theeventual NBA championLos Angeles Lakers, with Jokić recording 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the lone Denver victory in Game 3.[127]
2020–21 season: First MVP award
Jokić started off the season with four triple-doubles in his first six games, in one of which he recorded a then career-high 18 assists, on December 29, 2020, against theHouston Rockets in a 124–111 victory. Doing so, Jokić became the first center to record at least 18 assists in a game since Chamberlain in 1968.[128][129][130] On December 30, Jokić passedFat Lever for most triple-doubles in Nuggets' franchise history in a 125–115 loss to theSacramento Kings, which also saw him move up to ninth all-time in career triple-doubles.[131][132] Jokić would continue his stellar play throughout the month of January, being awarded with back to back Western Conference Player of the Week awards, as well as being named the Western Conference Player of the Month, thus becoming the first Nuggets player to do so since Anthony.[133][134][135]
On February 6, 2021, Jokić recorded a then career-high 50 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists, and three blocks in a 119–114 loss to the Sacramento Kings. He set a franchise record for being the first Nuggets player with at least 50 points and 10 assists while also becoming the first center to do so since Abdul-Jabbar in 1975. Jokić also joined Anthony andAllen Iverson as the only Nuggets players with more than 50 points scored in the past 20 seasons.[136][137][138] Not only that, but Jokić opened the season with 20 consecutive double-double games, putting him only behindBill Walton (34 in 1976–77) since theAmerican Basketball Association merged with the NBA in 1976.[139] That same month, Jokić was selected for his third consecutive All-Star appearance, this time as a starter, becoming the first Nuggets player to start in the All-Star game since Anthony in 2011, as well as joiningAlex English andDavid Thompson as the only Nuggets players to be selected to three straight NBA All-Star games.[140][141] On March 2, Jokić recorded his 50th career triple-double, with a stat-line of 37 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a 128–97 victory on the road against theMilwaukee Bucks. Jokić became only the ninth player in NBA history to record 50 career triple-doubles, as well as only the second center to do so since Chamberlain. Jokić also became the third fastest player to reach 50 career triple-doubles, with only Robertson and Johnson doing it faster than him.[142][143][144]
On March 17, in a 129–104 victory over theCharlotte Hornets, Jokić surpassedDikembe Mutombo for most double-doubles in Nuggets' franchise history.[145] Jokić would go on to be named Western Conference Player of the Month, for the second time, for games played in March. Doing so, he became the only Nuggets' player in franchise history to win the award twice in a single season.[146] On April 4, Jokić had 16 assists in a 119–109 victory over theOrlando Magic. As a result, he marked his 81st career 10-assist game, passing Chamberlain for the most double-digit assist games by a center in NBA history.[147][148]
Despite an injury-laden regular season, Jokić led the Nuggets to a third seed in the Western Conference, boasting a 47–25 record. While playing and starting in every single game, he led the league in all the major advanced metrics intended to measure a player's value, such as player efficiency rating (PER), win shares, offensive win shares, box plus-minus, and value over replacement player (VORP).[149] Jokić also finished as the league leader in double-doubles, racking up 60 double-doubles on the year, while finishing second to Westbrook for most triple-doubles on the season, with 16 triple-doubles of his own.[150] Jokić joined Robertson and Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to average 26+ points, 10+ rebounds and 8+ assists for an entire season, and officially became the first-ever player to do so on better than 52 percent shooting (making 56.6 percent of his field goal attempts).[151][152] Jokić also became just the third player in NBA history to finish a season ranked in the top five in total points (third), rebounds (fifth), and assists (third), joiningElgin Baylor and Chamberlain (3x).[153][154]
In the first round of the playoffs, the Nuggets faced thePortland Trail Blazers. They would be without two of their best players,Jamal Murray andWill Barton, who were both out with injuries.[155] Regardless, Jokić continued his elite level of play throughout the series, averaging 33 points (on 50/40/90 shooting splits), 10.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.[156] In Game 6, Jokić scored 27 of his 36 points in the second half to lead the Nuggets to a 126–115 series-clinching victory.[155][156] Denver would match up against thePhoenix Suns in theWestern Conference Semifinals.[157] In a Game 3 loss, Jokić tallied 32 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists, joining Abdul-Jabbar and Chamberlain as the only players in NBA playoff history to post a 30/20/10 game.[158] The Nuggets were eliminated from the playoffs in Game 4, with Jokić being ejected late in the third quarter after being assessed aflagrant foul two for making a hard swipe at the ball and catching the Suns'Cameron Payne in the face.[159][160] For the playoffs, Jokić averaged 29.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.[161]
For his regular season performance, Jokić won theNBA Most Valuable Player Award; in doing so, he became the first center to win the award sinceShaquille O'Neal in2000[162] as well as the first player inDenver Nuggets franchise history.[163] Jokić also became the first Serbian player,[163] third European player overall, and sixth international player to ever win the award.[a] Having been selected 41st overall in the 2014 NBA draft, Jokić became the lowest-drafted player in NBA history to be named MVP, as well as the first-ever player to be drafted in the second round of the common draft era (since 1966) to win the award.[163][162][164] Jokić andVasilije Micić also became the first-ever pair of players from the same country to be awarded both NBA MVP andEuroLeague MVP honors in the same season.[165][166]
On November 8, 2021, in a 113–96 victory over theMiami Heat, Jokić and opposing forwardMarkieff Morris were both ejected after Morris shoved Jokić, leading Jokić to shoulder Morris in the back.[167] The next day, the NBA announced that they had suspended Jokić for one game without pay.[168] On December 6, Jokić recorded his 60th triple-double, in a 109–97 loss to theChicago Bulls, overtakingLarry Bird for eighth on the all-time career triple-double list.[169][170][171] On December 27, Jokić tied his career best with 22 rebounds and added 26 points, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks in a 103–100 victory against theLos Angeles Clippers,[172] and became the first player to record 25-plus points, 20-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists in consecutive games sinceCharles Barkley in 1988.[173]
On January 25, 2022, Jokić recorded 28 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists in a 110–105 victory over theDetroit Pistons; he also became the only player in NBA history to record 5,000 rebounds and 3,000 assists within his first 500 career games.[174] Two days later, Jokić was selected for his fourth consecutiveNBA All-Star appearance, second in a row as a starter, joiningAlex English as the only Nuggets players to be selected to four straight NBA All-Star games.[175] For his play in January, Jokić was named Western Conference Player of the Month for the third time in his career, tyingCarmelo Anthony and English for most Player of the Month honors in Nuggets franchise history. Jokić recorded seven triple-doubles and became one of just five players in NBA history to have seven-or-more in a single month, joining Chamberlain, Robertson, Westbrook, andMichael Jordan as the only players to achieve this feat.[176][177]
On February 6, in his 500th NBA game, Jokić logged his 71st career triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals on 12-of-15 shooting from the field in a 124–104 victory over theBrooklyn Nets; in league history, only Robertson (151) and Johnson (73) recorded more triple-doubles through their first 500 games.[178] Five days later, he became the fifth player in NBA history to have multiple seasons recording 15 or more triple-doubles.[179]
On March 6, in a 138–130 overtime victory over the Pelicans, Jokić recorded a triple-double with 46 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, and four blocks. He scored 30 of his 46 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, and joined Chamberlain as the only players to record a 45-point triple-double whilst shooting 70 percent from the field in the same game.[180][181] Ten days later in a 127–109 victory over theWashington Wizards, Jokić became the second-fastest player to record 10,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, and 3,000 assists. He achieved this feat in his 516th NBA appearance, one game short of Larry Bird's record (515).[182][183] On March 26, Jokić recorded 35 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks on 13-of-15 shooting from the field in a 113–107 victory over theOklahoma City Thunder. He became the second player in NBA history after Chamberlain with three or more career 35-point, 10-rebound, and five-assist games on 85 percent shooting.[184]
On April 7, Jokić recorded 35 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, and four steals in a 122–109 victory over theMemphis Grizzlies to clinch a playoff spot outside of theNBA play-in tournament. He became the first player in NBA history to tally at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a season. Jokić's late-season surge also saw him become the first player since Chamberlain to register at least 35 points and 12 rebounds in five straight games.[185] For games played in March and April, Jokić was named Western Conference Player of the Month, for the second time in the season, and fourth time in his career, surpassing Carmelo Anthony and Alex English for most such honors in Nuggets franchise history.[186] Jokić finished the regular season averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists on 58.3%/33.7%/81.0% shooting splits, and led the Nuggets to a 48–34 winning record for the last direct playoff spot (No. 6) despite Denver's second and third best players missing nearly the entire season. He became the first player in NBA history to average over 25 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in a season and the first to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and field goal percentage.[187] Jokić was the only player in the NBA this season to finish in the top 10 in points per game, rebounds per game and assists per game. His advanced metrics were historically great,[188] garnering the highest single-seasonplayer efficiency rating in NBA history at 32.85.[189] Jokić also led the NBA in win shares, offensive win shares,box plus-minus,value over replacement player, total rebounds, double-doubles (66), and triple-doubles (19).[190]
On April 21, in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs, Jokić logged 37 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a 118–113 loss to the Warriors.[191] Three days later in Game 4, he recorded 37 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in a 126–121 victory.[192] Denver would go on to lose to Golden State in five games despite Jokić's 30-point, 19-rebound, eight-assist, and two-block outing in the 102–98 close-out loss. He scored 12 of his 30 points in the final four minutes of the game. After the game, formerDefensive Player of the Year and perennialAll-Defensive Team memberDraymond Green found Jokić for a word: "I told him thank you for making me better. It's an honor and a pleasure to play someone so skilled. Usually when you have guys that talented and skilled, they're soft. And he's far, far from soft. He's an absolutely incredible player." For the playoffs, Jokić averaged 31.0 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 block per game on 57.5% shooting from the field.[193][194]
On May 12, Jokić was named the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the second year in a row, beating finalistsJoel Embiid andGiannis Antetokounmpo. He became the 13th player to win the award in consecutive seasons, as well as the second European player to win the award more than once, joining Antetokounmpo.[195] On May 24, Jokić was selected to his thirdAll-NBA First Team. He became the first player in club history to earn All-NBA team honors in four straight seasons and to have three career first-team selections, passingHall of FamerDavid Thompson for the most in franchise history.[196][197]
2022–23 season: First NBA championship and Finals MVP
On July 1, 2022, Jokić agreed to a five-year, $264 million supermax contract extension with the Nuggets, making it the richest deal in NBA history at the time of the signing.[198] On November 3, Jokić put up 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 14 assists in a 122–110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder; surpassing Chamberlain for the most triple-doubles all time by a center with 79.[199] On December 10, Jokić recorded his 80th career triple-double with 31 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists and four blocks in a 115–110 win over theUtah Jazz. He became only the second player in NBA history to put up at least 31/12/14/4 in a game after James.[200] On December 18, Jokić put up a triple-double with 40 points, a career-high 27 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 119–115 win over theCharlotte Hornets. He also became the first NBA player since Chamberlain in 1968 to put up at least 35 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.[201] On December 25, Jokić dropped 41 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a 128–125 overtime win over thePhoenix Suns. He became only the third player in NBA history to record a 40-point, 15-rebound and 15-assist game, joining Robertson and Harden.[202]
On January 1, 2023, Jokić recorded his 85th career triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and no turnovers on 10-of-13 shooting, 2-of-2 from three, 8-of-8 from the free throw line in a 123–111 victory over theBoston Celtics.[203] He became the first player in NBA history to have multiple games of at least 30 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds without a turnover.[204][205] Five days later, Jokić recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 121–108 win over theCleveland Cavaliers. He also joined Robertson, Westbrook, and Johnson as the only players in NBA history to record at least 10 triple-doubles in six different seasons.[206] On January 18, Jokić recorded his 90th career triple-double and second in a row with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists in a 122–118 victory over theMinnesota Timberwolves, and he surpassedAlex English (3,679) to become the Nuggets' all-time assists leader. Jokić also became the first center in NBA history to lead a franchise in career assists.[207] Eight days later, he was named aWestern Conference starter for the2023 NBA All-Star Game, marking his fifth consecutive selection and third in a row as a starter.[208] For his play in January, Jokić was named Western Conference Player of the Month for the fifth time in his career, making him the leader for most Player of the Month honors in Nuggets franchise history. With eight triple-doubles in January, he joined Chamberlain as the only centers in NBA history to record eight or more triple-doubles in a single month. Jokić also became the first player to have shooting splits of 65% from the field, 50% from three and 85% from the free throw line in a month.[209]
On February 15, Jokić and the Nuggets won their 25th straight game when he had a triple-double. That was the most consecutive team wins when a player had a triple-double in NBA history, passing Johnson and the Lakers from 1984 to 1987.[210] On February 28, he recorded his 100th career triple-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 133–112 victory over theHouston Rockets, becoming the sixth player in NBA history to have accomplished the feat.[211][212] Jokić had recorded eight triple-doubles in February and joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only centers in NBA history to record eight or more triple-doubles in a single month. Jokić also became the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double in three consecutive months. By winning the Western Conference Player of the Month for February, Jokić became the first player in Nuggets' franchise history to win the award in back-to-back months.[213]
On March 12, Jokić posted 35 points, 20 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, and two blocks in a 134–124 loss against theBrooklyn Nets. He became the first player since theABA–NBA merger to put up multiple games of at least 35 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a single season and third in NBA history after Chamberlain andElgin Baylor.[214] On March 27, Jokić recorded 25 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 116–111 victory over thePhiladelphia 76ers. He joined Chamberlain and Robertson as the only other players in NBA history to total 10+ games in a season of at least 20 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.[215] On April 9, Jokić finished the regular season achieving career-highs in field goal percentage (.632 FG%) and assists per game (9.8), leading the Nuggets to the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs for the first time in franchise history.[216] Jokić led the league in triple-doubles (29), finishing as the only player to ever average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists on at least 60% shooting over a single season. He also became Denver's all-time single-season leader in field goal percentage (63.2%), effective field goal percentage (66%) and true shooting (70.1%) while topping the league leaderboard in player efficiency rating, win shares, offensive win shares, box plus-minus, offensive box plus-minus, defensive box plus-minus, and value over replacement player.[217]
In Game 2 of the Nuggets'first round playoffs series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jokić recorded 27 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in a 122–113 victory. He also became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists through their first 50 career playoff games.[218] In Game 5, Jokić had his eighth career playoff triple-double with 28 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists, two steals, and two blocks in a 112–109 victory, leading the Nuggets to the second round of the playoffs.[219] He became just the fifth player in NBA history to record a 25-point, 15-rebound and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity. Jokić joined Robertson (1963), Chamberlain (1967),James Worthy (1988), and James (2020) in that exclusive group.[220]
In Game 1 of theWestern Conference Semifinals, Jokić recorded 24 points, 19 rebounds, and five assists in a 125–107 victory over the Phoenix Suns.[221] In Game 3, he put up a triple-double with 30 points, 17 rebounds, and a playoff career-high 17 assists in a 121–114 loss. Jokić became the first player in NBA history to record 25+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 15+ assists in a playoff game.[222] He also tied Chamberlain's record for the most playoff triple-doubles in NBA history by a center with nine.[223] In Game 4, Jokić put up a playoff career-high 53 points and 11 assists in a 129–124 loss. He surpassed Alex English to become the Nuggets' all-time leader in playoff points. He also became the first center in NBA history to put up at least 50 points and 10 assists in a playoff game. Jokić also joined Chamberlain as the only centers in NBA history to score at least 50 points in a playoff game.[224][225] After Game 4, Jokić was fined $25,000 by the NBA for “improper contact with a spectator sitting courtside” during the game, when he made contact with Suns ownerMat Ishbia after unsuccessfully trying to retrieve a ball that had gone off court. However, Jokić was not given a suspension.[226] In Game 5, he put up a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists in a 118–102 victory, breaking a tie with Chamberlain for the most playoff triple-doubles in NBA history by a center with his 10th.[227] In Game 6, Jokić put up a triple-double with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 125–100 victory to lead the Nuggets to theWestern Conference Finals. He joined James and Westbrook as the only players to average a 30-plus point triple-double in a playoff series as Jokić finished with 34.5 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 10.3 apg in Denver's 4–2 series win over Phoenix.[228] After the game formerNBA Most Valuable Player Award winner Durant told reporters about Jokić: "Jokić is an all-time great. He's gonna go down as one of the all-time great centers to ever touch a basketball."[229]
In Game 1 of theWestern Conference Finals, Jokić posted a triple-double with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists in a 132–126 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.[230] He tied Westbrook for third place all-time in playoff triple-doubles with 12.[231] Jokić also became the only player in NBA postseason history to log multiple 30-point, 20-rebound triple-doubles.[232] In Game 2, he had his fourth consecutive triple-double and seventh triple-double of these playoffs with 23 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists, and three steals in a 108–103 victory.[233] Jokić became the second player to post four consecutive triple-doubles in NBA playoff history and is now one of just two players to tally seven triple-doubles in one postseason along with Wilt Chamberlain. Jokić also surpassed Westbrook to stand alone on third all-time in playoff triple-doubles.[234] In Game 4, Jokić posted his 14th career playoff triple-double and eighth of the playoffs breaking Chamberlain's 1967 NBA record for triple-doubles in a single postseason. Jokić finished the 113–111 victory with 30 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and three blocks. Jokić was awarded his firstNBA Conference Finals Most Valuable Player Award, becoming the first non-American player to win the award, achieving triple-double series averages of 27.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 11.8 assists while leading the Nuggets to a sweep over the Lakers en route to their firstNBA Finals appearance in franchise history. Jokić also joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double in back-to-back playoffs series.[235][236][237]
In Game 1 of theNBA Finals, Jokić posted a triple-double with 27 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 104–93 victory over theMiami Heat. He joinedJason Kidd as the only players in NBA history to put up a triple-double in their NBA Finals debuts. Jokić andJamal Murray also became only the second pair of teammates in NBA history to each put up at least 25 points and 10 assists in an NBA Finals game sinceMagic Johnson andJames Worthy in the1987 NBA Finals.[238][239] In Game 2, Jokić put up 41 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in a 111–108 loss. He joinedLeBron James andLarry Bird as the only players in NBA history to put up at least 500 points, 200 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single postseason run. Jokić also became the first center in NBA history to put up at least 500 points and 100 assists in a single postseason run.[240][241] In Game 3, he became the first player in NBA history to record 30+ points, 20+ rebounds and 10+ assists in a Finals game. He finished the 109–94 victory with 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his 10th triple-double of this postseason. Jokić is also responsible for three of the five 30-point, 20-rebound and 10-assist playoff games ever, with two of those coming in these playoffs.Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain each have one. Jokić and Jamal Murray also became the first teammates in NBA history (regular season or playoffs) to record 30-point triple-doubles in the same game, with the latter also posting a 30-point triple-double in Game 3.[242] In Game 4, Jokić put up 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks in a 108–95 victory. He also became the first player in NBA history to put up at least 500 points, 250 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single postseason run.[243] In Game 5, Jokić put up 28 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists on 12-of-16 shooting from the field in a 94–89 victory, leading the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in franchise history while winningFinals MVP. He was unanimously voted as Finals MVP and became the lowest draft pick in NBA history to win this award.[244][245] Jokić finished the NBA Finals averaging 30.2 points, 14 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks. He became the first player in NBA history to lead the entire postseason in total points (600), total rebounds (269) and total assists (186).[246][247]
2023–24 season: Third MVP award
On October 24, 2023, Jokić recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists as theDenver Nuggets launched the defense of their NBA championship crown with a season-opening 119–107 victory over theLos Angeles Lakers.[248] He became just the third reigning Finals MVP to open an NBA season with a triple-double, joiningMagic Johnson (1982) andLeBron James (2016).[249] Six days later in his 600th NBA game, Jokić posted his 107th triple-double, with a 27-point, 11-assist, and 10-rebound stat-line, in a 110–102 victory over theUtah Jazz. Subsequently, he tiedJason Kidd and LeBron James for 4th, on the all-time triple-doubles list.[250] On November 3, Jokić had 33 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists on 14-of-16 shooting from the field in a 125–114 victory over theDallas Mavericks.[251] Three days later, he recorded a triple-double with 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 134–116 victory over theNew Orleans Pelicans. Jokić's triple-double was the 108th in his career, surpassing James and Kidd for fourth place on the all-time career triple-double list.[252] On November 12, Jokić put up 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 107–104 loss to theHouston Rockets. He also joinedWilt Chamberlain andOscar Robertson as the only players to have 10 games with at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.[253] Five days later, Jokić logged his 110th triple-double of his career with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and tied his career high with 18 assists in a 115–110 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans. Jokić tied Wilt Chamberlain for second all-time in games with at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists.[254]
On December 4, Jokić was named Western Conference Player of the Month for the seventh time in his career for games played in October/November. He became the first player sinceElgin Baylor in 1967 to start a season with 12 straight games of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds. Jokić also had two 30+ point triple-doubles with zero turnovers in his last four games while nobody else in the NBA has multiple games doing that in the last 40 years.[255] On December 14, Jokić had 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in his 115th career triple-double during the regular season in a 124–101 victory over theBrooklyn Nets. Jokić became the first player in NBA history with 10-plus triple-doubles in seven straight seasons.[256] On December 25, Jokić put up 26 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists while shooting a career-high 18-of-18 from the free-throw line in a 120–114 victory over theGolden State Warriors.[257] Three days later, Jokić posted a triple-double with 26 points on 11-of-11 shooting from the field, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 142–105 victory over theMemphis Grizzlies. He joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in NBA history to record a triple-double on 100% shooting (minimum 10 field goal attempts) in multiple games.[258] For the 2023 calendar year, Jokić was named winner of theHickok Belt, presented annually by theNational Sports Media Association to the top professional athlete in the United States.[259][260]
On January 4, 2024, Jokić put up 34 points on 13-of-16 shooting from the field along with nine assists, 10 rebounds, and a buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer in a 130–127 victory over the Warriors.[261] He missed only five shots over his last four games, hitting 86.6%, which registers as the best for any player in the last 40 years (minimum 40 FGA) over a four-game span.[262] On January 16, Jokić recorded 25 points and 19 rebounds, including a career-high 11 offensive boards in a 126–121 loss against thePhiladelphia 76ers. After the gameJoel Embiid told Jokić that his counterpart was "the best player in the league.”[263] Five days later, Jokić scored a season-high 42 points on 15-of-20 shooting, along with 12 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks, and no turnovers in 113–104 victory over theWashington Wizards.[264] On January 25, Jokić was named aWestern Conference starter for the2024 NBA All-Star Game, marking his sixth consecutive selection and his fourth selection in a row as a starter. He joinedAlex English as the only other Nugget to be picked to start in four All-Star games.[265]
On February 2, Jokić recorded his 120th career triple-double with 27 points, 22 rebounds, 12 assists, a steal, and 2 blocks in a 120–108 victory over thePortland Trail Blazers.[266] He became the first player in NBA history to record that line or better in a game, per Basketball Reference's StatHead.[267] On February 22, Jokić put up a triple-double with 21 points on 10-of-10 shooting from the field, 19 rebounds, and 15 assists in a 130–110 victory over the Washington Wizards. He also joined LeBron James andRussell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to put up a triple-double against every NBA team faced.[268] Three days later, Jokić put up a triple-double with 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists in a 110–103 victory over the Warriors. He put up his third career game with at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the second most such games in NBA history.[269] On March 11, Jokić posted a triple-double with 35 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists, six steals, and two blocks in a 125–119 victory over theToronto Raptors.[270] On April 2, Jokić tied his season-high with 42 points, to go along with 16 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in a 110–105 victory over theSan Antonio Spurs. He also surpassedCarmelo Anthony for third place on the Nuggets' All-Time Scoring List.[271] Eight days later, Jokić recorded 41 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists on 16-of-20 shooting from the field in a 116–107 victory over theMinnesota Timberwolves. It was his 20th career 40-point game.[272]
In Game 2 of the Nuggets'first round playoffs series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Jokić recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 101–99 victory. He has the most 25-20-10 games in NBA playoff history with four. The only other players to put up those numbers in a playoff game are Wilt Chamberlain (twice),Kareem Abdul-Jabbar andDave Cowens, but Jokić is the only one to do it since the NBA and ABA merged after the 1975–76 season.[273] A week later, Jokić narrowly missed another 25–20–10 game, posting 25 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists in a 108–106 Game 5 victory, thus sending the Nuggets past the Lakers to the Western Conference Semifinals.[274] In Game 5 of theWestern Conference Semifinals, Jokić logged 40 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists, and no turnovers in a 112–97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.[275] He became the second player in NBA postseason history to finish a game with at least 40 points, 10 assists, and no turnovers, joiningChris Paul (2018). Jokić was directly responsible for 71 of his team's 112 points and became the first player in NBA history to score or assist on 70+ points in a playoff game without committing a turnover (since turnovers were first tracked in 1977–78).[276] Denver would go on to lose to Minnesota in seven games despite Jokić's 34-point, 19-rebound and seven-assist outing in the 98–90 close-out loss.[277]
On May 8, Jokić won his third MVP beating finalistsShai Gilgeous-Alexander andLuka Dončić. He became only the ninth player in NBA history to win the award at least three times, doing so in four seasons. Jokić also became just the second player in NBA history to have at least 2,000 points, 900 rebounds, and 700 assists in a season, joining Oscar Robertson (1961–62). Behind Jokić, the Denver Nuggets (57–25) matched the franchise high for victories in a season and tied for the best record in the Western Conference.[278]
2024–25 season: Triple-double season
On October 26, 2024, Jokić scored 41 points and made a career-high seven 3-pointers in a 109–103 loss to theLos Angeles Clippers.[279] In the next game, Jokić posted 40 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in a 127–125 overtime win over theToronto Raptors. He recorded back-to-back 40-point games for the first time in his career.[280] On October 29, Jokić had a triple-double with 29 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists in a 144–139 overtime win over theBrooklyn Nets. He became just the second player in NBA history to achieve this stat line and the first in 62 years. The only player previously to reach those totals in a game wasOscar Robertson, who did it twice in 1962. Jokić also became the 1st player with multiple triple-doubles and multiple 40-point games within his first 4 games of a season in NBA history.[281][282] On November 6, Jokić logged a triple-double with 23 points, 20 rebounds, 16 assists, two steals and two blocks in a 124–122 win over theOklahoma City Thunder. He joinedRussell Westbrook (Apr. 2, 2019) as the 2nd player to record a 20/20/15 game sinceWilt Chamberlain in 1968.[283] On November 8, Jokić posted 30 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists on 11-of-13 shooting from the field in a 135–122 win over theMiami Heat. With 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists on 84% shooting, he joined Wilt Chamberlain as just the second player in NBA history to record that line on at least 80% from the field. This was Jokić's third career 30-point triple-double on at least 80% shooting. Only Chamberlain has more.[284] On November 10, Jokić had 37 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists and three steals for his fourth straight triple-double in a 122–120 win over theDallas Mavericks. He recorded a stat line in this game that no other player in NBA history has reached. Jokić also became the first player in NBA history to compile the following numbers after the first 10 games of a season: 297 points, 137 rebounds and 117 assists.[285][286]
On December 5, he posted his 139th career triple-double with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 126–114 loss to theCleveland Cavaliers. He also passedMagic Johnson for third place in the NBA'sall time triple-doubles list.[287] On December 8, Jokić scored a then career-high 56 points in a loss against the Washington Wizards. It was just the third time in NBA history that a player had tallied 56 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists in a game. The other two instances were Elgin Baylor (1959) and Luka Doncic (2022). He also became the first player in NBA history to put up at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three three-pointers made in a game.[288][289] The next day, Jokić logged 48 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals in a 141–111 win over theAtlanta Hawks. His final line has only been achieved four other times in NBA history. One of these instances was by Jokić himself in 2022, two were by his Nuggets' teammate Russell Westbrook (2015, 2017) and the other wasLarry Bird in 1992. He also became only the third player in NBA history to record back-to-back games with at least 45 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. The first two were Elgin Baylor in 1961 and Wilt Chamberlain in 1963.[290][291] On December 30, Jokić had 36 points, 22 rebounds, 11 assists and four steals in a 132–121 win over theUtah Jazz. During the game he became the fastest center sinceShaquille O'Neal to record 15,000 career points.[292]
On January 2, 2025, Jokić recorded 23 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists playing 29:31 minutes in a 139–120 win over the Atlanta Hawks. He became the first player in NBA history to record 20/15/15 in less than 30 minutes.[293] On January 10, Jokić put up a triple-double with 35 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds in a 124–105 win over theBrooklyn Nets. His teammate Russell Westbrook also recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading to both of them becoming the first pair of teammates in NBA history to each record a triple-double in the same game multiple times in a season.[294] On January 14, Jokić became the fastest player to reach 15,000 points, 7,500 rebounds and 5,000 assists, accomplishing the feat in just 709 games. The fastest previous mark was held by Larry Bird, who needed 799 games.[295] On January 23, Jokić put up his 150th career triple-double and fifth in a row with 35 points, 22 rebounds, and 17 assists in a 132–123 win over theSacramento Kings. He became the second player in NBA history to put up at least 35 points, 20 rebounds, and 15 assists in a game, joining Wilt Chamberlain. Jokić also nailed a 66-foot shot with 1.7 seconds left in the third quarter.[296][297] On January 25, Jokić was named aWestern Conference starter for the2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his seventh consecutive selection and his fifth selection in a row as a starter. He was also, for the first time, the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game in the Western Conference.[298] On January 27, Jokić became the first player in NBA history to shoot 100% in a half (min. 10 attempts) while also recording 8 assists, in a 121–129 loss to theChicago Bulls, also achieving another triple-double with 33 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists.[299] For his play in January, Jokić was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for the eighth time in his career.[300] On February 24, Jokić posted a then career-high 19 assists along with 18 points, nine rebounds and three steals in a 125–116 win over theIndiana Pacers.[301][302]
On March 7, Jokić had 31 points, 21 rebounds and a career-high 22 assists in a 149–141 overtime win over thePhoenix Suns, becoming the first player in NBA history to record a triple-double of at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists.[303][6] On March 26, Jokić recorded his 160th career triple-double and his 30th of the season with 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 127–117 win over theMilwaukee Bucks. He became only the fourth player in league history to have 30 or more triple-doubles in a season.[304][305] On March 28, Jokić put up 27 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and four steals in a 129–93 win over theUtah Jazz. He scored his 16,000th career point and became the fastest player in league history to tally at least 16,000 points, 8,000 rebounds and 5,000 assists—doing so in 739 games. Jokić accomplished the feat in 60 fewer games than the previous record holder Larry Bird, who reached the milestone in his first 799 career games.[306] On April 1, Jokić put up a 61 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 140–139 double overtime loss to theMinnesota Timberwolves. His 61 points broke a record for his career-high, and became the highest-scoring triple-double in NBA history. He also became the third player to achieve a 60-point triple double, afterJames Harden (2018) andLuka Dončić (2022).[307][308] On April 6, Jokić posted 41 points, 15 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 steals and 1 block against theIndiana Pacers in a 125–120 loss. According to Stathead, he is the first player in NBA history to record those stats in a single game. Jokić logged a triple-double by the end of the third, marking his 32nd triple-double of the season — the most ever recorded by a center in NBA history, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's single-season record of 31. It was also his 30th career 40-point game.[309] On April 11, Jokić had his 34th triple-double of the season with 26 points, 16 rebounds and 13 assists in a 117–109 win over theMemphis Grizzlies. He became the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, after Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. Jokić also became the first and only player in NBA history to finish top three in points, assists, rebounds, and steals per game in a season.[310][311][312][313] On April 16, Jokić was namedSporting News' Player of the Year.[314] Jokić was the runner-up for both theClutch Player of the Year andNBA Most Valuable Player awards, becoming just the third player in league history to finish in the top two of MVP voting for five or more consecutive seasons.[315][316]
On April 26, in Game 4 of thefirst round playoffs series, Jokić had 36 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists in a 101–99 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. He became one of just four players in NBA history to record 35+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 8+ assists in a playoff game.[317] On May 5, Jokić put up 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists in a 121–119 comeback win over theOklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the second round. He also joinedGiannis Antetokounmpo, Shaquille O'Neal, and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in NBA history to put up at least 40 points, 20 rebounds and five assists in a playoff game.[318][319] On May 13, in Game 5 of theWestern Conference Semifinals, Jokić recorded 44 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals on 17-of-25 shooting, including 5-of-7 from three-point range and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line, in a 112–105 loss to the Thunder. He became the first NBA player since Wilt Chamberlain to record multiple games with 40+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a single playoff series. This performance marked the 7th time that Jokić had 40+ points in a playoff game, which is the most in franchise history.[320] Despite his historic efforts, Denver ultimately lost the series to Oklahoma in seven games.[321][322]
On May 24, 2019, Jokić announced he would play for Serbia at the2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.[326] At the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the national team of Serbia was dubbed as favorite to win the trophy,[327] but was eventually upset in thequarterfinals byArgentina.[328] With wins over the United States andCzech Republic, it finished in fifth place.[329][330] Jokić was the second-best player on the team behindBogdan Bogdanović, averaging 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over eight games, while shooting 68.0% from the field.
On June 15, 2022, Jokić announced that he would return to the national team after three years for the2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers and theEuroBasket 2022.[331] Jokić led Serbia to a perfect 5–0 record and first place inGroup D at the EuroBasket 2022, but was eventually upset in theRound of 16 byItaly despite his 32-point, 13-rebound, 4-assist and 2-steal outing.[332] Jokić was the best player on the team, averaging 21.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 steals over six games, while shooting 66.2 percent from the field, 46.2 percent from three-point range, and 90.9 percent from the free throw line.[333] In July 2023, he opted not to be selected for the2023 FIBA World Cup due to physical and mental fatigue following his victorious season at Denver Nuggets.[334]
On June 10, 2024, Jokić was included on Serbia's preliminary roster for the2024 Summer Olympics.[335] On July 31, Jokić had 14 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists in the second group stage game againstPuerto Rico at the Olympics. He became the first player in Olympics history to combine 10+ points, 15+ rebounds and 5+ assists.[336] On August 6, in the quarter–finals, Jokić powered Serbia to an Olympic record 24–point comeback, with another near triple–double performance of 21 points, 14 rebounds and 9 assists, along with 4 steals and 2 blocks, in a 95–90 overtime win againstAustralia.[337] He led Serbia to a bronze medal, after posting only the 5th ever triple–double in Olympics history, beating outGermany in the third–place game.[338][339] Over 6 tournament games, Jokić averaged 18.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists, while shooting 53.8% from the field. He also led all players in total points, rebounds, assists and steals, becoming the first player ever in Olympic tournament history to do so.[340] For his performances, Jokić was named to theOlympics All-Star Five team.[341]
On 28 July 2025, Jokić was included on Serbia's preliminary roster forEuroBasket 2025.[342][343] On 30 August, Jokić scored a Serbian EuroBasket record 39 points, along with 10 rebounds, four assists, and three steals in an 84–80 win over hostsLatvia, sending Serbia to the knockout stage.[344][345] However, Serbia's EuroBasket run ended in the Round of 16 for the second straight tournament, falling 92–86 toFinland despite a strong performance from Jokić, who finished with 33 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.[346] In 27 minutes per game, Jokić averaged 22.3 points, 9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists for the tournament, while shooting 66.2% from the field. He was named to the All-Tournament Second Team.[347]
Player profile
Standing 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) and weighing 284 pounds (129 kg), Jokić plays exclusively at thecenter position.[348] Through the 2024–25 season, his career averages are 21.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game in the regular season, and 27.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game in the playoffs.[348]
Jokić has been called the greatest passing "big man" in NBA history and has been described by some as the greatest passer of all time.[349][350] As a playmaker, Jokić uses his size and field of view to set up his teammates for scores, often through a variety of no-looks and unique deliveries.[351][352][353] His techniques, in particular his one-handed passes, have drawn comparisons to those of awater polo player.[354] Playing at a slow and deliberate pace, Jokić often pauses upon receiving the ball to survey the floor for defensive mistakes and potential openings.[355] His current and former teammates have stated that they always have to be ready to receive a pass because of how often Jokić passes at unusual angles, and that he has often hit unprepared players in the face with the ball during practice.[356]
In addition to his playmaking ability, Jokić is also a versatile scorer, capable of effectively finishing in the paint as well as hitting jump shots from midrange and the three-point arc.[351][357][358] During his first MVP season, Jokić shot .566 from the field and .388 from three-point range.[348] His signature move, the "Sombor Shuffle" (coined by Nuggets play-by-play announcerChris Marlowe after Jokić's hometown ofSombor), involves jumping off his right foot before launching a high-archingfadeaway. Jokić developed the move during his recovery from an ankle injury in 2017. The unorthodox move is difficult to contest and has drawn comparisons toDirk Nowitzki's one-legged fadeaway.[359][360][361]
Citing his game IQ and offensive creativity, many commentators have described Jokić as a "basketball genius".[362][363][364][365][366] Jokic's ability to garner statistical dominance in multiple categories has led many people to place him among all-time greats, including Hall of FamersKevin Garnett andPaul Pierce who equated him toWilt Chamberlain.[367]
Jokić was praised for becoming an elite NBA defender despite his significant athletic limitations. Jokić, who recorded the worst vertical jump (17 inches) among more than 1,000 NBA players tested in the P3 Applied Sports Science laboratory, finished first in the defensive plus-minus box for three consecutive seasons.[368]
Highest scoring triple-double in NBA history (61 points).[307]
Only center to average a triple-double for a season.[371]
Only NBA player to finish top three in points, assists, rebounds, and steals per game in a season.[311][312]
Only NBA player to record a 30+ point, 20+ rebound, 20+ assist game.[372]
Only NBA player to be selected in the second round of the common era draft to win the MVP award.[162]
Only NBA player drafted outside the top-15 to win both Finals MVP and regular season MVP.[247]
Only NBA player to reach at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season.[185]
Only NBA player to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists per game on 60% field goal percentage in a single season.[217]
Only NBA player to average at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists per game on 52% field goal percentage in a single season.[152]
Only NBA player to average at least 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists per game in a single season.[187]
Only NBA player to lead his team in all five major statistics (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) and field goal percentage in the same season.[187]
Only NBA player to record a 15+ assist triple-double while shooting 100% from the field.[373]
Only NBA player to record multiple 35+ point triple-doubles while shooting 90% from the field.[374]
Only NBA player to record 100+ points, 30+ rebounds and 15+ assists in a two-day span.[375]
Only NBA player to record multiple 30+ point triple-doubles without a turnover.[204][205]
Only NBA player since the ABA–NBA merger to post 35 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in multiple games in a single season.[253]
Second player in NBA history to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 800 assists in a single season, including the regular season and playoffs.[237]
Sixth NBA player to lead his team in all five major statistics (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) in the same season: Denver Nuggets,2021–22[187]
First player in Olympic basketball history to lead the Olympic tournament in points, rebounds and assists.[386]
Personal life
During Jokić's early years in Denver, he lived in a shared apartment with his then-girlfriend and his two older brothers.[387][388] Jokić married his longtime girlfriend Natalija Mačešić on October 24, 2020, in his hometown of Sombor.[389] Nikola and Natalija have two children together: daughter Ognjena, who was born in September 2021, and son Ignjat, who was born in November 2024.[390][391][392][393]
Besides his native Serbian, he also speaks English fluently. He believes it is important to teach his children the Serbian language, as they live and attend school in the U.S.[394]
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