Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets delivered an impressive comeback performance on Friday, wasting little time reminding everyone of his impact.
In just 24 minutes of action, the big man poured in 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, handed out five assists, and added three steals as the Nuggets cruised to a 13-point victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Jokic became the first player in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in fewer than 25 minutes.
The outing marked the player’s first game back after missing 16 consecutive contests while recovering from a knee injury.
“You miss playing. You miss the pressure. You miss the adrenaline. Just being out there with the guys and trying to win a game,” Jokic said. “It’s a collective that I missed. This hasn’t happened for me probably in my career. So it was an interesting feeling.”
The extended absence was especially difficult for the three-time MVP, who admitted that watching from the sidelines took an emotional toll.
“Watching just a game, it was taking so much of my energy,” he said. “I was yelling at the TV when I stayed back in Denver, and then, like, in the games (I was attending), I was so emotionally empty after the games. And then I decided the last two games, I’m just gonna try to chill and watch the game.”
While Denver is still not fully healthy, with Aaron Gordon out due to a hamstring injury and Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson continuing to rehab, Jokic’s return provides a massive lift for a team with championship aspirations in the Western Conference.
Jokic also made it clear that his knee did not limit him mentally once he stepped back on the floor.
“I was not scared to use it,” he said. “I was not thinking about it while I’m running, while I’m playing, so I think that’s a good sign that I’m ready.”
Nikola Jokic set an NBA record in his first night back after a knee injury: https://t.co/bs3fKAQFlG
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 1, 2026
