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Nuggets center Nikola Jokic surges into playoffs after a scary knee injury and historic season
TL;DR
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is set for the playoffs after recovering from a knee injury. He led the league in both rebounds and assists per game this season, a feat not achieved since 1969-70.
Key points
- Nikola Jokic is recovering from a knee injury.
- The Denver Nuggets secured the No. 3 seed in the playoffs.
- Jokic led the league in rebounds and assists per game.
- The Nuggets had a 54-win season.
- They will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs.
Nikola JokicDenver NuggetsMinnesota Timberwolves
DENVER (AP) — Around playoff time, Nikola Jokic always looks to make a big splash — on the court, obviously, but also in the water.
The Denver Nuggets do-it-all center typically opens his swimming pool at this point of the year — weather permitting — for he and his kids to have some fun. Turns out, floating around in between lofting floaters is the perfect way for him to take a break from the pressure of leading the team on a title chase.
Jokic and the Nuggets earned the No. 3 seed with a 54-win season and will face a familiar foe in Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves during a first-round series that starts Saturday.
Statistically and physically, this has been a season unlike any other for Jokic.
On the numbers side, Jokic became the first player to lead the league in both rebounds and assists per game since 1969-70, when leaders were crowned through per-game averages. Wilt Chamberlain was tops in both categories in 1967-68, back when leaders were determined by totals.
On the health side, the three-time MVP endured the first major injury of his NBA career. He missed 16 games in late December/January with a hyperextended left knee. The team went 10-6 in his absence.
“It’s not a difficult year, but an inconsistent year, with the injuries, with the lineups, with everything,” explained Jokic, who averaged a triple-double (27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists) for a second straight season. “We still managed to be one of the top teams. That’s something telling about this team, and the group that we have in the locker room. We definitely show ourselves that we can answer to anything, and hopefully we’re going find a way and in the playoffs when the moment is big.”
The Nuggets enter with a wave of confidence, too, riding a 12-game winning streak. Ask him about it and his humor shines through.
“It's definitely better than a 12-game losing streak,” Jokic said. “When you’re playing well, everybody’s feeling good.”
A point guard at center
Jokic notched 34 triple-doubles in 65 games this season. That includes a memorable performance on Christmas Day against the Timberwolves, when he erupted for 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists win.
Q&A
What injury did Nikola Jokic suffer before the playoffs?
Nikola Jokic experienced a scary knee injury prior to the playoffs.
How many wins did the Denver Nuggets achieve this season?
The Denver Nuggets finished the season with 54 wins, securing the No. 3 seed.
Who will the Nuggets face in the first round of the playoffs?
The Nuggets will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
What historic achievement did Jokic accomplish this season?
Nikola Jokic became the first player since 1969-70 to lead the league in both rebounds and assists per game.
