Nikola Jokic has strapped the Denver Nuggets to his back and carried them up the Western Conference standings this season. On the brink of his 30th birthday, Jokic has put together arguably the best season of his career despite already having three MVPs to his name. The Joker did it again on Friday night as the Nuggets traveled to take on the Miami Heat, securing in another triple-double in a win with a play only he could make.
Nikola Jokic’s blind assist needs to be seen to be believed
How did Jokic know Aaron Gordon was there?
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
Late in the third quarter, Jokic ran the floor and received a full court outlet pass. His momentum carried him near the baseline out of bounds, but he had enough awareness to fire a blind over-the-head pass. Teammate Aaron Gordon was sprinting down the floor himself, and caught the pass before unleashing a huge dunk.
How did Jokic know Gordon was there? The greatest passing big man ever just has a sixth sense for mapping the court, and knowing where his teammates are. This is another absurd moment of greatness for Jokic. Watch the play here:
Gordon wasn’t even in the frame when Jokic threw the pass over his head. Credit to Gordon for finishing this play with a powerful slam, but the pass from Jokic stole the show.
This alternate angle is even better:
The Nuggets beat the Heat, 133-113. Jokic finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists for his NBA-leading 17th triple-double of the season.
I had Jokic leading my NBA MVP poll on Jan. 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been so spectacular since then in carrying the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top of the West that I’m finally on board with SGA for MVP instead. Both players are just so incredible. Regardless of who wins MVP this year, the fans are lucky to watch both go to work every night.
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