Nikola Jokic achieved his career-high of 19 assists on February 25, 2025, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 125-116 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The star center not only set this personal record but also contributed 18 points and nine rebounds to the win.
The Nuggets were eager to rebound from their loss against the Los Angeles Lakers just days earlier, and they executed their plan flawlessly during this matchup. With Aaron Gordon spearheading the offensive effort with 25 points, Denver managed to score 74 points inside the paint, showcasing their dominance under the basket.
Jokic’s remarkable assist total tied him with Wilt Chamberlain for the second most assists recorded by a center in NBA history—an impressive feat highlighting his unique ability to control the game. "Don’t force the issue, and keep involving teammates..." Jokic emphasized, pointing to the importance of creating good shot opportunities for others instead of focusing solely on his scoring.
On the night, Gordon led the scoring alongside Jokic, shooting 11-of-17 from the field. Young talent Christian Braun also shone brightly, contributing 17 points without attempting a single three-pointer, all of his points coming from within the painted area. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. rounded out the scoring with 19 points and 11 rebounds, finding his rhythm after initially struggling to connect from the field.
The game wasn’t entirely without challenges for the Nuggets. They recorded 19 turnovers throughout the match, and there are areas to improve upon. Despite these setbacks, the team's collective effort was evident, evident not only through the points they scored but also as they out-rebounded the Pacers with 46 rebounds to Indiana's 32.
The strategic approach to the game appeared to be centered around aggressive play inside, effectively executing their plans after the Lakers game. The Nuggets' balanced attack was most apparent as multiple players stepped up when it mattered, minimizing the impact of the previous defeat.
Jokic's mentality throughout the contest remained focused; he made sure to set up his teammates for success. Although he only took 14 shots — making nine — his contributions as a passer often dictated the flow of the game. "When the shots he’s getting are in a rhythm, he will take more of them..." noted Ryan Blackburn, pointing out Jokic's adaptation of his game style.
Defensively, the Nuggets entered the game knowing they had to contain the Pacers' attack. To their advantage, they managed to force 17 turnovers from Indiana, who had been relatively secure with the ball prior to this encounter. The Nuggets, recognizing the Pacers' penchant for scoring, contested many shots effectively.
Denver’s ability to switch up their style based on the opposition indicates their versatility. Despite allowing the Pacers to attempt more three-point field goals than would typically be ideal, they made smart contests to limit open shots, which proved successful over the course of the game.
The win was not just satisfying for the Nuggets—it was reinstated the confidence lost during the prior defeat against the Lakers. "Top to bottom, the Nuggets handled this game extremely professionally," Blackburn pointed out, underscoring the growth of this team through adversity.
Looking forward, the Nuggets aim to continue their success as they gear up for three more games on the road against formidable Eastern Conference teams. The performance against the Pacers demonstrated their image as title contenders, and they are expected to carry this momentum forward.
Next up, they travel to Milwaukee, hoping to build on their current win and prove themselves against another tough opponent, with Jokic leading the charge.