Nikola Jokic made a triumphant return to action on Friday. Jokic finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals in 24 minutes as the Nuggets posted a 13-point win over the Clippers. According to the Denver Post’s Bennett Durando, Jokic became the first player in NBA history to amass 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in fewer than 25 minutes.
Jokic missed the previous 16 games due to a knee injury.
“You miss playing. You miss the pressure. You miss the adrenaline. Just being out there with the guys and trying to win a game,” Jokic said. “It’s a collective that I missed. This hasn’t happened for me probably in my career. So it was an interesting feeling.”
Being out for an extended period was a helpless feeling for the three-time Most Valuable Player.
“Watching just a game, it was taking so much of my energy,” he said. “I was yelling at the TV when I stayed back in Denver, and then, like, in the games (I was attending), I was so emotionally empty after the games. And then I decided the last two games, I’m just gonna try to chill and watch the game.”
Denver still isn’t close to being a full strength with Aaron Gordon sidelined by a hamstring strain and Christian Braun (ankle) and Cameron Johnson (knee) also rehabbing injuries. But getting Jokic back is an enormous boost one of the Western Conference’s prime contenders.
Jokic said the knee wasn’t on his mind while he was on the court.
“I was not scared to use it,” he said. “I was not thinking about it while I’m running, while I’m playing, so I think that’s a good sign that I’m ready.”
In 3-5 years, we all will be saying top 10 all-time. You should all start warming up to say it, now. We are witnessing something special. You all know he deserved the last 5 straight MVPs.
What a legend!
The GOAT is back, ladies and gentlemen!
To make that record, regardless of coming back from a one month absence, speaks volumes to the level of talent.
It was amazing to see how coach Adelman had to bring him back a bit earlier than he wanted to, because the Clippers went on a run, and how Jokić was able to still stay below his 24 minute restriction because after he returned, the nuggets went on such a huge run!
Greatest player of his generation.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he had achieved those numbers by the 25-minute mark multiple times previously.
Of course he did.
Guy cannot guard a chair