Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Sets Career High In Win Over Pacers, As ‘An Assist Makes Two People Happy’

Nikola Jokic was in a sharing mood Monday night, and his Nuggets teammates were more than happy to receive.

The NBA MVP candidate set a career-high with 19 assists, leading the team to a 125-116 road victory over the Pacers. It marked Denver’s 10th win in their last 11 games, a dominant stretch that solidifies their status as one of the NBA’s top teams.

Jokic, who also scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, was a masterful playmaker, orchestrating the offense with precision. His unselfishness was on full display as he continuously found open teammates for easy buckets.

“An assist makes two people happy,” Jokic once said, via Bennett Durando of the Denver Post, reflecting his appreciation for the beauty of passing. On Monday night, he made 38 people happy, including his teammates and coaches.

Aaron Gordon added 25 points to the Nuggets’ cause, while the rest of the team worked cohesively to pull away from Indiana. Denver had no issues offensively, shooting 50.5% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range.

The win was a bounce-back for the Nuggets after their loss to the Lakers on Saturday. Jokic admitted that the Nuggets might have “tricked themselves” into thinking they were invincible after a nine-game win streak.

“It’s about getting back to what works for us,” Jokic said. “We need to be more focused, more consistent.”

Despite the setback, Denver remains one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams. Their offensive firepower, led by Jokic, is a major threat to any opponent.

Jokic’s remarkable playmaking ability continues to set him apart from the league’s other stars. His 19-assist performance is a testament to his vision and basketball IQ, which have been key to Denver’s success this season.

That much you probably already knew.

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