Nikola Jokic delivered another MVP-caliber season, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game on 57.6% shooting. He made history on March 7 with the NBA’s first-ever 30–20–20 game. Despite his stellar play, concerns arose about the team’s depth and his heavy workload.
Jokic’s 2024–25 season was a historic campaign that further cemented his legacy as one of the NBA’s all-time greats. Here’s a breakdown of his year and what’s next for Jokic:
Regular Season Performance
Jokic delivered an extraordinary season, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game over 70 appearances, with a 57.6% field goal percentage and 41.7% from beyond the arc. This achievement made him only the third player in NBA history—and the first center—to average a triple-double over an entire season.
His season was highlighted by a record-breaking 61-point triple-double against the Minnesota Timberwolves, setting a new NBA benchmark for the highest-scoring triple-double in history. Additionally, he recorded the league’s first-ever 30–20–20 game, showcasing unparalleled versatility at the highest level. Jokic 34 triple-doubles this season tie for the fourth-most in a single season in NBA history with teammate Russell Westbrook.
Jokic’s adaptability to a tough situation stood out. Despite irregular contributions from a flawed supporting cast and a massive cold war developing behind the scenes between the now former head coach Michael Malone and former general manager Calvin Booth, Jokic held the team together with consistent play, including a massive level of responsibility once those departures occurred.
Playoff Performance
The burden and expectations for Jokic are always through the roof, and his averages of merely 26.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 8.0 assists with depressed shooting splits showcased that. While Jokic’s three-point shot performed well at 38%, the three-time MVP shot just 52.8% from two-point range and 77.2% from the free throw line, both career lows. Jokic also averaged 3.9 turnovers per game due to the incessant ball pressure from the Los Angeles Clippers and especially the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dealing with the size/physicality of Ivica Zubac, Nicolas Batum, and Kawhi Leonard in the Clippers series was tough. Dealing with the relentlessness and hands (fouls) of Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and others in the Thunder series was borderline impossible (as the Thunder have shown against everyone else they’ve faced).
There were epic performances, like a 36-point, 21-rebound, 8-assist Game 4 vs the Los Angeles Clippers that swung the series back to Denver’s favor. The improbable Game 1 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder stemmed from the 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists from Jokic. In addition, he averaged 2.0 steals and 0.9 blocks across the entire playoffs, elevating his game defensively in a way only his 2023 NBA championship performance could match.
Unfortunately, there were enough low points in there to sour things. Three separate games of seven turnovers or more, an 8-of-25 FG and 0-of-10 from three Game 3 against OKC, and more games where Jokic was impacted by a swarming defense focused on his interior scoring and playmaking. He was still a top tier player in these playoffs, but for a Nuggets team with little margin for error, Jokic’s low points stand out in stark contrast to what he almost always provides.
Best Game – 61 points in a triple-double vs the Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Quote
“If Nikola doesn’t win MVP, it will be the greatest season of all time to not win MVP,” David Adelman stated plainly of Nikola Jokic’s impactful season.
Player Grade: A
Jokić’s performance this season was nothing short of exceptional. He led the league in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and Box Plus-Minus (BPM), both ranking as the fourth and second-highest in NBA history respectively. He came in second in the MVP race this year due to a worse team record than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but it doesn’t diminish his individual efforts in any way.
Beyond the statistics, Jokić’s leadership and basketball IQ were instrumental in guiding the Denver Nuggets to a 50–32 record, securing the 4th seed in the Western Conference despite internal turmoil. His ability to elevate the play of his teammates and adapt to a litany of situations underscores his value to the team as a whole.
Contract Situation
Jokić is finishing up the second year of a five-year, $276 million supermax contract signed in 2022. He will have two more guaranteed years before a player option for the 2027–28 season. This deal made him one of the highest-paid players in the league, yet the Nuggets would pay much more if they had to, and they will try.
Jokić is eligible to sign a three-year, $212 million extension during the upcoming offseason. An extension would further solidify his commitment to the Nuggets, however, don’t be surprised if Jokic takes his time signing such an extension before he understands the direction of the team amid their pursuit of a permanent general manager. It would be shocking if the Nuggets committed to new head coach David Adelman without some sign of Jokic approval as well.
What’s Next for Jokić?
This summer, Jokic has another opportunity to play for the Serbian National team in FIBA EuroBasket, a major commitment for Jokic. He hasn’t committed to playing yet, but if he does, it will be another obligation for one of the NBA’s superstars with the highest amount of responsibility.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets’ front office faces the challenge of building a more robust supporting cast to alleviate the pressure on Jokic. Ensuring he has the necessary support will be vital in maximizing the team’s potential and securing additional titles during his prime years.
For Nuggets fans, Jokic’s 2024–25 season was a testament to his greatness and a beacon of hope amid a season of challenges. As long as Jokic is around, the Nuggets always have a chance. The question is how long he can hope to maintain such a high level and if the Nuggets can find better, more consistent help up and down the roster.
Season in Review: Nikola Jokic showed why he deserved a fourth MVP trophy Mile High Sports.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Season in Review: Nikola Jokic showed why he deserved a fourth MVP trophy )
Also on site :
- Luke Hobson Goes 1:43.73 To Shatter Phelp’s Longstanding 200 Free US Open Record
- Shoppers go wild for new viral Dubai chocolate product in stores THIS WEEK – but will be limited to just 3 each
- Erin Gemmell And Anna Peplowski Tie For 4th In 200 Free With Potential Swim-Off Required