At a Glance
- Denver star Nikola Jokic limped off after a knee injury in Miami.
- The Nuggets are awaiting MRI results to gauge the severity.
- Jokic’s absence could sideline him for weeks, impacting Denver’s playoff chances.
- Why it matters: Jokic is a three-time MVP and the team’s primary playmaker; his injury threatens the franchise’s competitive outlook.
During a 147-123 loss to Miami, Denver’s Nikola Jokic was in the midst of a dominant first half when a teammate’s misstep caused him to injure his left knee. The injury left him limping off the court and prompted the Nuggets to suspend his participation for the remainder of the game. An MRI will determine the next steps for the star center.
Injury Incident
Nikola Jokic was alone under the basket and stepped forward to help Denver’s Spencer Jones defend a drive by Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. as the clock approached zero in the second quarter. While backtracking, Jones stepped on Nikola Jokic‘s left foot, causing the center’s knee to buckle. Nikola Jokic collapsed, grabbed his knee, and was helped to his feet before heading to the locker room with a pronounced limp.
Coaching Reaction
Nuggets coach David Adelman expressed concern over the injury and the team’s future.
David Adelman said:
> “Immediately, he knew something was wrong,” he said after the 147-123 loss.
David Adelman added:
> “Hey, this is part of the NBA. Anybody who gets hurt in this game, it’s kind of gut-wrenching, especially somebody as special as he is. We’ll find out more (Tuesday). We’ll move on as a team. Obviously, right now, I’m more concerned just about him as a person and the disappointment…”
David Adelman continued:
> “Tonight my mind will wander,” he said. “And it’ll wander about what we have to do going forward if he is out for a while or for a long time.”
Impact on Team
If Nikola Jokic misses significant time, it could be a massive blow to Denver and the NBA, as he averages 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds and 11.1 assists, edging toward a second straight triple-double season. A one-month absence would mean about 16 games, potentially affecting the Nuggets’ standing in the competitive Western Conference.
- Average points: 29.9
- Average rebounds: 12.4
- Average assists: 11.1
- Potential games missed: 16
Jokic’s Durability History
Nikola Jokic has been remarkably durable, missing only 36 games over the last five seasons. Denver’s record during those absences was 13-23, while he has played all 32 games this season.
- Games missed last 5 seasons: 36
- Team record when he was absent: 13-23
- Games played this season: 32
Other Current Injuries
Denver entered the Miami game without three would-be starters-Christian Braun (left ankle sprain), Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain) and Cam Johnson (right knee injury management).
- Christian Braun: left ankle sprain
- Aaron Gordon: right hamstring strain
- Cam Johnson: right knee injury management
Key Takeaways
- Jokic’s knee injury could sideline him for weeks, threatening Denver’s playoff push.
- The team’s performance hinges on Jokic’s availability, as he leads in points, rebounds and assists.
- Denver has faced multiple injuries this season, but Jokic’s durability has historically kept the franchise competitive.
The Nuggets await MRI results, hoping for a quick recovery, while the rest of the NBA watches how Jokic’s injury may reshape the Western Conference race.
