Nikola Jokic has led the Denver Nuggets up the Western Conference standings this season. Just shy of his 30th birthday, Jokic put together arguably the best season of his career, even though he already has three MVP awards under his belt. The Joker traveled to the Nuggets to face the Miami Heat on Friday night and made a play like only he could to get the win and record another triple-double.
Late in the third quarter, Jokic ran the floor and received a full-court outlet pass. His momentum carried him out of bounds near the baseline, but he had enough awareness to throw a blind overhead pass. Teammate Aaron Gordon sprinted down the floor himself, caught a pass and then threw down a huge dunk.
How did Jokic know Gordon was there? The best passing big men of all time have a sixth sense for mapping the court and knowing where their teammates are. This is another absurd moment of greatness for Jokic. Watch the play here:
Gordon wasn't even on target when Jokic threw the pass over his head. Gordon was credited with ending the play with a powerful blow, but the pass from Jokic stole the show.
This other angle is even better:
The Nuggets defeated the Heat 133-113. Jokic recorded 24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, achieving his 17th triple-double this season, an NBA record.
On January 1st, I had Jokic lead my NBA MVP voting. Since then, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has done an amazing job leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top of the West Division, and I ended up joining the SGA MVP candidates in his place. Both players are really great. Regardless of who wins this year's MVP award, fans will be lucky to watch the two go to work every night.
