The Denver Nuggets and the wider NBA world are holding their breath after superstar Nikola Jokic suffered a potentially serious knee injury during Monday night's game against the Miami Heat. The three-time Most Valuable Player limped out of the contest and is now awaiting the results of a crucial MRI scan to determine the severity of the issue.
How the Injury Unfolded
The incident occurred just before halftime on Monday 30 December 2025, abruptly halting another commanding performance from the Serbian centre. Jokic had already posted 21 points, eight assists, and five rebounds when he collapsed in clear pain. While backtracking on defence against Miami's Jaime Jaquez Jr., Jokic appeared to have his left foot stepped on by teammate Spencer Jones. This caused his knee to buckle violently, sending him to the floor where he clutched at it before being helped to the locker room with a pronounced limp. He did not return for the second half of Denver's 147-123 loss.
Immediate Concern from the Nuggets Camp
Nuggets head coach David Adelman expressed immediate worry for his franchise player. "Immediately, he knew something was wrong," Adelman stated post-game. "This is part of the NBA. Anybody who gets hurt in this game, it's kind of gut-wrenching, especially somebody as special as he is."
Adelman admitted the uncertainty would be taxing, saying, "Tonight my mind will wander. And it'll wander about what we have to do going forward if he is out for a while or for a long time." He emphasised the need for a proper diagnostic process before jumping to conclusions.
Potential Impact on the Nuggets' Season
A prolonged absence for Jokic would represent a catastrophic blow to Denver's ambitions. The centre has been the undisputed engine of the team, averaging a staggering 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game this season, putting him on course for a second straight year averaging a triple-double. His durability has been a hallmark, having missed only 36 games in the past five seasons, with the Nuggets posting a poor 13-23 record in those games.
Teammate Jamal Murray underscored Jokic's irreplaceable value, noting, "He's not just a big part of what we do, but almost everything that we do." The injury comes as the Nuggets are already without three potential starters: Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, and Cam Johnson.
As the basketball community awaits the MRI results, the sentiment from the Nuggets is one of cautious hope. "Hoping for the best," Coach Adelman concluded, echoing the thoughts of fans across the league who are anxious for news on one of the game's true greats.
