Nikola Jokic, a now three-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), is still stealing the show. His burgeoning star performances and chess-like tactical approach to the game have people talking on every level. He guides the Denver Nuggets into another playoff run. His historical production, efficiency and playstyle are what make him unique, almost freakish in today’s numbers-driven basketball culture.
Despite the league’s obsession with statistics, Jokic remains focused on the game itself, often downplaying individual stats in favor of team success. He has turned historically unprecedented box score lines into easy work, generating outcomes that most people link to folklore figures such as Wilt Chamberlain. For much of this season, he’s wowed the whole world with his absurd long-range bomb-making capability. He even hit two shots from over 60 feet!
The story of Jokic’s improbable rise to success has opened a much broader conversation on what’s necessary to succeed in the NBA. His unique style off the field continues to be the opposite of many players today who care more about their statistics and award trophies. David Adelman, an assistant coach for the Nuggets, noted, “Most great shooters care about their stats. Bottom line.” Jokic’s emphasis on chemistry is a reflection of an alternative mentality that appreciates value not just in stats.
In one of his games last season against the Sacramento Kings, Jokic provided the comic relief. He argued that he “gained 25 seconds” on one of his possessions. This is telling of his feel for the game and pacing, skills that boost his leadership on the court even more.
Despite this difference, as evidenced by Jokic’s spectacular performance during the Nuggets’ recent playoff run. In a critical Game 5 loss, he scored 44 points on an impressive 17-of-25 shooting, demonstrating his scoring prowess even in challenging circumstances. Though his team had suffered a painful loss, Jokic’s impact was enough to earn him praise.
He’s thrown a mind bending six heaves in the series already. In total, he’s tossed seven bombs this postseason. He shot 22 inbounds passes from 60 feet or further during the 2024-25 campaign. This very, very impressive statistic is a testament to his long-range shooting prowess. Remarkably, he is just the second player in the last 25 years to do so.
Jokic’s highlight reel includes a stunning 66-footer at the end of the third quarter against the Kings, which expanded the Nuggets’ lead to 25 points. On top of that, he hit a pretty big 63-footer to give Denver a 10-point halftime lead over the Utah Jazz. Such distant pursuits have mostly proven successful, earning his renown as an intimidating offensive force.
Even with arguably the best shooting performance in NBA history, Jokic has had his ups and downs. He shot just 33.3% from the floor (21-of-63) and 18.2% from beyond the arc (4-of-22) over a span of games this season. Despite these numbers, he’s still finding ways to make a positive impact on the game. Of his 64 heaves this season, 47 have been in games that Denver has won.
For context, Jokic’s seven playoff heaves thus far are a league-high—five more than any of his counterparts this postseason. Still, even with the 2-for-50 backcourt heaves he’s attempted in his 20-year career, Boeheim isn’t troubled by these numbers. He unabashedly confessed that sometimes he would think, Could I just punch the ball. This particular moment emphasized his willingness to experiment with nontraditional plays.
Christian Braun, a teammate of Jokic’s, expressed admiration for his contributions to the team: “It’s just how good he is. It truly is his impact. He gets 30, 20 and 20, and that’s literally his impact on the game.”
Former player Ogi Stojakovic emphasized the importance of respecting the game while playing, stating that success comes when players adhere to its principles: “If you play basketball in the right way, basketball gods are going to reward. So you try not to cheat the game.” This philosophy is something that Jokic has truly embodied as he’s gone through the rigors of playing professional basketball.
In a league where players often find themselves obsessed with individual statistics and achievements, Jokic’s philosophy serves as a refreshing reminder of what it means to be a team player. He knows that knowing what makes a game tick goes beyond caring about your own stats.
Reflecting on his strategy during games, Jokic mentioned: “I think it’s an opportunity. Why not? It’s three points. It can be a game changer.” His way of thinking is what drives their innovation, while still paying respect to classic gameplay.
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