Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic’s five best games this season
By Dean Hasan
3. 11/8/19 vs. Philadelphia 76ers
On Nov. 18, the Nuggets hosted the Philadelphia 76ers and came away with a 100-97 victory. While it wasn’t Jokic’s most efficient game, he did stuff the stat sheet against one of the league’s best at the center position in Joel Embiid, posting 26 points, 10 boards, six dimes, two steals, two blocks and just one turnover.
Jookic struggled a bit early on, making just two of his eight first-half looks for a paltry eight points at the break. The Nuggets trailed by 15 at halftime, and when the fourth quarter began, Denver found themselves down 19. Despite the deficit, it would be the Joker who got the last laugh.
After a third-quarter where he scored a measly two points on one of four shooting, Jokic came alive in the fourth, recording 16 of his 26 points on 7-of-10 from the field and 2-of-3 from deep.
The last two points were the sweetest, and with his team down a point and scarcely any time left, Jokic did this:
This play exhibits just how good Jokic is at working the ball for the best available shot. After getting the rock from Jamal Murray, he attempts to take the ball inside. However, an Embiid rotation seals his path to the basket.
This leaves Paul Millsap wide open momentarily, and Jokic dumps it off immediately. Although the Sixers’ defense quickly collapses and nearly forces a turnover, the ball makes its way back to Jokic, who decisively hoists the deep two for the win.
Apart from his early struggles, this was an excellent game for Jokic and the entire Nuggets team, as they collected an early statement win against a 76ers team that, at the time, was expected to stand among the Eastern Conference’s best.