5. Perfect Triple-Doubles
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets works against Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
When/where: Dec. 28, 2023 and Feb. 22, 2024; Ball Arena
The only proper way to begin a contained list of Jokic moments is by cheating. So, in his honor, here’s a quick two-for-one. In Jokic’s first eight seasons, he had two triple-doubles while also shooting 100% from the floor. He had only one game without a missed shot on double-digit attempts. So the pair of “perfect triple-doubles” he pulled off this season were rare even for him. Both were galvanizing landmarks, too. Against Memphis in December (26 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 11 for 11), he jump-started a nine-game heater in which he shot 81%. And against Washington out of the All-Star break (21, 19 and 15 on 10-for-10 shooting), he checked off the last opponent he hadn’t registered a triple-double against. It started Denver on a 21-6 run to end the season.
4. Huge shot, heavy heart
Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (15) shoots over Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
When/where: Jan. 23, 2024; Gainbridge Fieldhouse
When Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojevic suddenly died at age 46, the entire basketball community mourned. But the loss was personal for Jokic. Milojevic was his head coach in Serbia before both made it in the NBA. As he navigated a difficult week, Jokic didn’t speak publicly the first two games after Milojevic’s death. The third game was a barn-burner in Indianapolis, where Jokic’s 3-pointer at the shot clock buzzer put the Nuggets ahead 114-109 with 6.1 seconds remaining, icing a resilient win. Speaking about Milojevic after the 31-point triple-double, he was short and sweet: “I love him.”
3. Invisible Alley-Oop
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic plays in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
When/where: Oct. 27, 2023; FedExForum
Even the live local broadcasts were caught asleep, adding an elusive aura to one of the finest assists of Jokic’s career. During the second game of the season, he snatched the ball from an official next to Denver’s bench, which was at the defensive end of the floor. While the Grizzlies were still arguing a call, he inbounded the ball with a casual Hail Mary that traveled 71 feet and 9 inches, at an average velocity of 30.6 mph, until it reached Aaron Gordon. In mid-air. Right above the rim. For an easy dunk. Jamal Murray even confessed he didn’t see the alley-oop.
2. Streak Breaker
Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic passes off against Boston Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis (8) and Al Horford (42) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan 19, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
When/where: Jan. 19, 2024; TD Garden
It was the halfway point of the season, and the Celtics were still undefeated at home (20-0) when the Nuggets made their annual visit to Boston. The two-man game between Jokic and Murray was not to be denied. They became the only reliable source of offense, accounting for 31 of Denver’s 47 points in the second half of a 102-100 statement win. Jokic finished the night with 34 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists on 14-of-22 shooting — the classic idea of an “MVP moment.”
1. Bay Area Buzzer Beater
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) hits a 3-pointer over Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney to give the Nuggets the win in an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Loren Elliott)
When/where: Jan. 4, 2024; Chase Center
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It might age as the most replayed, revisited shot of Jokic’s career. The Nuggets miraculously climbed back from an 18-point deficit in the final 6:34 of regulation, all building to a timeout in the backcourt with 3.6 seconds left. The score was 127-all. Jokic caught the inbound pass and made an unusual beeline toward a particular spot along the opposite sideline. It was far from the optimal route to get as close as possible to the basket before time expired. But Jokic’s IQ evidently overruled conventional wisdom. He pulled up with a hand in his face and banked a 40-footer at the buzzer — resulting in an image of a fierce, fervid Jokic that’ll live forever in Denver.