Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic added another highlight to his MVP resume on Thursday night, hitting an incredible falling, one-legged 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift the Nuggets over the Golden State Warriors.
Jokic took an inbound pass with 2.4 seconds left, pump faked from just inside the 3-point line to get Andrew Wiggins in the air, then launched a high-arcing shot while falling backward that splashed through the net as time expired. The Nuggets bench erupted as Jokic was mobbed by his teammates, celebrating the 114-111 victory.
The reigning two-time MVP finished with 22 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 assists, coming up huge down the stretch. It was the kind of performance that NBA Twitter has become accustomed to seeing from Jokic.
Despite his heroics, Jokic’s numbers are actually down across the board this season with the return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. from injury. He’s averaging 24.7 points per game (down from 27.1 last season), 11.5 rebounds (13.8) and 9.5 assists (7.9). Still elite numbers to be sure, but not quite as eye-popping as the past two seasons.
That didn’t stop NBA Twitter from heaping praise on Jokic, marveling at his clutch shot and declaring that he’s having the most dominant “down year” in NBA history.
“Only Nikola Jokic can have a legitimate down year and hit a one-legged falling out-of-bounds game-winner. This dude is unbelievable,” one fan tweeted.
“Jokic stole another MVP while having his numbers go DOWN. Definition of having the world in the palm of your hand…” wrote analyst Mo Dakhil.
Others pointed to Jokic’s impact that goes beyond just the stats. Despite less gaudy numbers, he has the Nuggets positioned as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
“Jokic having a “down” year by his standards and the Nuggets have the best offense in the NBA. Best player in the world,” declared podcaster Justin Hires.
As usual, Jokic provided plenty of meme-worthy reaction shots throughout the game. His stunned look after hitting the game-winner got plenty of play on Twitter.
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“Nikola Jokic is simply built differently. Not of this planet” wrote Ahmed of NBC Sports Edge Basketball.
It’s performances like Thursday night that remind everyone just how special Jokic is. Already with two MVPs under his belt at age 27, he continues to expand his game and hit new heights few thought possible.
If this is what he produces in a so-called down year, the rest of the NBA better watch out when he returns to peak form. Joker has plenty more unbelievable moments in store before he’s done.
