Nikola Jokić

Among the many beautiful ironies of Nikola Jokić’s one-of-a-kind disposition is that, in a modern-day game influenced by efficiency, percentages, and gaudy statistics, nothing the Denver Nuggets’ superstar contributes ever comes across as forced or self-focused. January 23, 2025 served as Exhibit No. 1,000, as Jokić, solely focused on victory over the Sacramento Kings, accidentally stumbled into a never-before-seen statline in the NBA’s 79-year existence. Understandably, the most-discussed play arrived at the third quarter’s conclusion when Jokić — 66 feet away from the rim, and likely forgiven if he wanted to forgo a shot attempt — balanced into a quarterback-like stance before draining a buzzer-beater. What followed was a familiar-yet-feelgood scene: 19,676 collectively rising, celebrating the newest act of excellence from the newly-named seven-time All-Star. Contributions over the rest of Jokić’s 36-minute showing weren’t too shabby, as he unselfishly delivered his normal assortment of table-setting passes, catch-and-shoot triples, and ultimately, a fifth-straight triple-double. Assembling both history and victory at once, the sleeved Serbian superstar’s one-of-one box score ultimately read as follows: 35 points (on 12-of-19 shooting), 22 rebounds, 17 assists, one steal, two blocks, and two 3-pointers.