Nikola Jokić continues to amaze basketball fans. His no-look pass during the Denver Nuggets` 127-117 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks was so impressive it quickly went viral online.
The play happened shortly after halftime. Jokić, positioned at the top of the key against a Bucks defender, began driving towards the basket. As he reached the elbow, all five Bucks players focused on him, leaving Aaron Gordon open along the baseline. Jokić capitalized on this, delivering a stunning no-look pass past Brook Lopez, who was completely unaware, for an easy dunk by Gordon.
While the main camera angle captured the pass well, the baseline view truly highlights its brilliance.
Jokić had been sidelined for the Nuggets` previous five games due to an ankle injury, his longest absence since 2017. However, he showed no signs of rust in his return. He made 16 of 25 shots from the field, achieving a remarkable triple-double with 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. In total, he contributed to 61 of the Nuggets` 127 points, marking his 30th triple-double of the season.
Only three other NBA players have recorded 30 triple-doubles in a single season: Russell Westbrook, also a Nuggets player, Oscar Robertson, and Wilt Chamberlain.
The Nuggets went 2-3 during Jokić`s absence and were clearly relieved to have the three-time MVP back. Jokić`s impact on the team is undeniable. This season, the Nuggets have a significant positive net rating when he`s on the court and a negative net rating when he`s not.
“I`m feeling good,” Jokić stated after the game. “You know, I didn`t play for a long time, but I`m feeling good now and I`m just happy we won.”
This win improved the Nuggets` record to 46-28, keeping them on track for their third consecutive 50-win season, a feat they`ve only accomplished three times in franchise history.
The Nuggets currently hold third place in the Western Conference. With the playoffs approaching, Jokić`s return boosts their confidence in securing a top-four seed and home-court advantage in the first round.
