Nikola Jokic is no stranger to making NBA history.
The Denver Nuggets center was on pace to be the first player in the league to lead in rebounds and assists at the same time. To no surprise, he was at the top of the MVP ladder heading into this week's slate of games.
But there is a roadblock in play for the Denver superstar. It's something that he hasn't dealt with since his career started. Jokic suffered a knee injury on Monday night in Miami, Florida, which required an MRI and testing on Tuesday. Many would say that Jokic and the Nuggets dodged a bullet because his season isn't over.
However, there is still a long setback in play. Jokic has been ruled out for at least one month. Many have projected that he could be looking at additional weeks after the four-week timeline, following hyperextension of his knee.
Monday night was Jokic's 32nd appearance. He has been healthy enough to play in every game this year. The veteran center was shooting with the best efficiency of his career, making 60 percent of his field goals.
From three, Jokic has been putting up 4.8 attempts per game, producing on 43 percent of his shots. He had averaged 29.6 points per game. Every night was nearly a triple-double, as he produced 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game through the first stretch of the year.
Per usual, the Nuggets have been one of the top teams with Jokic thriving. They hold a 22-10 record heading into the new year. While they are placed third in the Western Conference, many anticipate a drop as the injuries have piled up beyond just the top player.
Soon enough, Jokic will make his return to action. By then, his historic pace and standing in award races won't matter as much as he could fail to meet the league's minimum requirement of games played to be eligible. It will be all about keeping up the Nuggets' pace-or getting them back on track-as Denver hopes to make another championship run a few years after winning it all.
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