Over the weekend, a high-energy Lakers defense fronted Nikola Jokic, doubled him when he got the ball, and limited a low-energy version of the three-time MVP to seven shots in a Nuggets loss.
Monday night, Jokic looked like his vintage self, carving up the Pacers’ more traditional defense with a career-high 19 assists in a 125-116 Denver win.
NIKOLA JOKIĆ A CAREER-HIGH 19 ASSISTS 🚨
— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2025
Watch every one from the @nuggets win! pic.twitter.com/X6CTVY0QT5
After the game, Nuggets players such as Aaron Gordon (a team-high 25 points) talked about how easy Jokic makes the game when you play with him. Denver coach Michael Malone spoke about the joy Jokic gets from setting up teammates.
"I think the most remarkable thing is the satisfaction and joy that Nikola gets from making his teammates better."
— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2025
Michael Malone (and the rest of us) continues to be in awe of the Joker after his career-high 19 assists! pic.twitter.com/lxU6GhwCoY
Behind Jokic playing at an MVP-level once again, the Nuggets have won 10-of-11 games and sit second in the Western Conference. This is the team that is the biggest playoff threat to the Thunder.
