Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets posed the biggest threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their 2025 NBA playoff run (they took the Thunder to seven games in the second round), and he has unfinished business for this campaign.
The three-time NBA MVP continues to improve, and his game has reached new levels, even when people think he can’t get better. Sports analyst Bill Simmons is high on the Serbian big man after the first 11 games of the season.
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During Thursday’s episode of his “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” the analyst wondered how Jokic has improved once again.
“What’s different about him? He’s shooting 68%, on pace to be our first 60/40/80 guy. He leads the league in rebounds and assists; he’s sixth in points. He’s taking three shots less a game and he’s still averaging 29/13/11,” Simmons said. “In other words, typical Jokic year, but slightly better. Are you seeing that’s different?”
ESPN analyst Tim Legler explained how the Nuggets helped Jokic unlock another level by bringing Jonas Valanciunas to the roster, which has allowed Jokic to rest properly.
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“He absolutely, 100% is fresher. Their acquisition of Valanciunas is one of the real underrated signings in this league,” Legler said. “Because, when he would go out of the game before, think about the backup centers that he’s played with since he’s been there. When he go to the bench, they felt so inadequate offensively in everything they were going to do, in terms of presence and on the glass that he rarely would sit as long as he’s sitting now.
“His minutes are down to 33 minutes a game. He feels better. I think he’s invigorated by the fact that they’re back in the mix.”
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Jokic is averaging 28.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, 10.9 assists and 1.8 assists per game, shooting 68.4% from the field, 41.7% from beyond the arc and 85.9% from the free-throw line.
The Nuggets are 9-2 and in the middle of a six-game winning streak, showing that they have renewed expectations and hunger to win it all this season. Jokic could post yet another MVP-caliber season while leading his team to the top positions in the Western Conference.
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