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Nikola Jokic, a.k.a. "The Joker," is not your average big man. His playmaking ability sets him apart and makes him a tremendous asset on the floor. He averaged 26.4 points (career high), 10.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists (career high) per game on his way to being named the NBA's MVP last season.
Jokic's height and passing ability make him trouble for opponents. In his seventh season, he already ranks in the top 15 in assists among centers, with 2,779 assists so far.
Here's a look at the games with his highest assist totals.
No. 5: Denver vs. Toronto Raptors – 15 assists
On Dec. 3, 2018, Jokic tallied his fifth-highest assist total in a single game to power Denver to a 106-103 win at the Toronto Raptors. Jokic led the way with a triple-double: 23 points, 11 rebounds and 15 assists. That season, he had 12 triple-doubles.
Jokic played only 35 minutes and had a field-goal percentage of 61.5.
No. 4: Utah Jazz vs. Denver – 16 assists
The Nuggets started the season 7-1 before hosting the Utah Jazz on Nov, 3, 2018. The matchup turned out to be a low-scoring game for Jokic, with only seven points on 33.3% shooting. However, he contributed in other areas, recording 10 rebounds and 16 assists, not letting his poor shooting affect the rest of his involvement.
Jokic played 28 minutes, and the Nuggets won the game by a convincing margin of 15 points, 88-103. He showed what it means to be a team player, contributing where he could to help the team win.
No. 3: Orlando Magic vs. Denver – 16 assists
On April 4, 2021, Jokic recorded a double-double, with 17 points and 16 assists. Facing off against the Orlando Magic at home, Jokic played 38 minutes. After a poor first-half performance, the Nuggets put together a strong third quarter to push the game out of reach in a 119-109 win.
Denver's Aaron Gordon scored 24 points against his former team, and Jokic missed out on a triple-double by being one rebound short.
No. 2: Denver vs. Milwaukee Bucks – 17 assists
Jokic was the catalyst for a 134-123 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, recording another triple-double with 30 points, 15 rebounds and 17 assists. Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a game-high 36 points as part of a triple-double as well, with 11 rebounds and 13 assists. But it wasn't enough to top the Nuggets.
Jokic missed only three shots and made all three of 3-point shots. All that production came in just 33 minutes in a showcase of efficiency.
No. 1 Houston Rockets vs. Denver – 18 assists
In his MVP season, Jokic had many standout performances. Against the Houston Rockets, his playmaking was top-notch. The Joker recorded a career-high 18 assists, along with 19 points and 12 rebounds. In his 34 minutes, he made 8 of 11 attempts, taking his field goal percentage to 72.7.
Nikola Jokic’s last season has been his best so far. He led the league in field goals made and recorded a career-high 599 assists in a single season. In the shortened 72-game season, he also had 16 triple-doubles.
Guess the Lakers players!
