The Denver Nuggets started their east-coast road trip with an emphatic 125-116 victory over the Indiana Pacers on February 24, 2025, highlighted by Nikola Jokic's extraordinary performance. Supporters of the Joker were not disappointed as he showcased his playmaking prowess, setting a career-high with 19 assists.
Just two nights after a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, when Jokic struggled to make his mark with only seven shot attempts, he bounced back magnificently. This time, Jokic not only scored 19 points but also added nine rebounds and four steals, demonstrating his all-around game. It's not every day you see such dominance from one player, especially against teams like the Pacers, who rank lower on defensive metrics.
“He has no weakness like there is not one chink in his armor,” praised Nuggets head coach Michael Malone postgame. He emphasized Jokic's unparalleled ability to make his teammates shine, stating, “The satisfaction and joy Nikola gets from making his teammates feel good is remarkable.” Indeed, it seems Jokic relishes making those around him succeed more than pursuing individual glory.
The victory took on added significance for the Nuggets, who were eager to shake off the negativity from their previous game. They demonstrated resilience, taking control of the matchup, even building a 17-point lead late in the third quarter. Despite allowing the Pacers to rally within six points during the fourth, they held on for the win.
Aaron Gordon led the scoring for the Nuggets with 25 points, showing offensive versatility by splashing two three-pointers. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. contributed significantly with 19 points and 11 rebounds, marking his best outing since the All-Star Break. Each player played their part as the Nuggets showcased their depth by having all five starters score at least 15 points—a rare feat accomplished only six times in franchise history.
Jokic’s passing was the highlight of the night. With 19 assists, he became the first center to approach averaging double-digit assists over the season. His ability to stretch defenses, setting up his teammates with well-timed feeds, was pivotal to the Nuggets’ offensive strategy. Denver's ability to assist on 39 of their 53 made shots against Indiana showcased their teamwork and commitment on the court.
The Nuggets made some noise offensively by dominating the points scored in the paint, outscoring the Pacers 74-46. The team's overall rebounding efforts, edging the Pacers by 14 on the boards, also played a major role in their overall success during the game.
Notably, even though Jokic's scoring output was notable, his creativity as playmaker defined the game. He attempted only 14 shots and converted for 19 points, but the depth of his vision and passing made all the difference. Each of his 19 assists was timely, including three pivotal feeds to Christian Braun as he piloted the lagging offense through the game's decisive moments. Braun and Jamal Murray also commanded the floor, each contributing 16 or more points.
Interestingly, the Nuggets' triumph came amid a stretch of success, marked by winning 10 of their last 11 games—an impressive reflex to their potential playoff readiness. This victory places them comfortably within the Western Conference race, securing them second place as they now look to face the Milwaukee Bucks next. Coach Malone insisted on taking each game one at a time, but he couldn't help but relish the moment. “It was good to get the bad taste out of our mouth, we watched the film, we owned it,” he said. “But we know we have tremendous challenges coming up.”
The Nuggets’ performance has illustrated their evolution as a collective unit, and with Jokic leading the charge, fans hope to see continued success as the season progresses. With upcoming games against the Bucks and Detroit, attention will be squarely fixed on how Jokic maintains his exceptional form, as he marches toward yet another triple-double season, elevifying his already historical legacy.