Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic Undergoes MRI After Scary Fall
The injury occurred in the final seconds of the second quarter. With the game tied at 63 and the clock winding down, Jokic was positioned under the Miami basket to assist teammate Spencer Jones in defending a drive by Jaime Jaquez Jr. In the ensuing scramble, Jones inadvertently stepped on Jokic’s left foot while being forced backward.
The contact caused Jokic’s left knee to hyperextend awkwardly. The superstar center immediately collapsed to the hardwood, clutching his knee and writhing in visible pain. While he was eventually able to rise and limp to the locker room under his own power, the Denver Nuggets medical staff quickly ruled him "questionable" before officially sidelining him for the remainder of the contest.
Dominance Interrupted: Jokic’s First Half Brilliance
Before the exit, "The Joker" was putting on a masterclass that has become his trademark. In just 19 minutes of play, he racked up 21 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, shooting an efficient 9 of 14 from the floor. His presence was the sole reason Denver had clawed back from an early 15 point deficit to tie the game at halftime.
Without their cornerstone, the Nuggets' structure crumbled. Miami exploited the massive void in the paint, erupting for a 47 point third quarter. Led by Norman Powell’s 25 points and Nikola Jovic’s 22, the Heat cruised to their highest scoring total of the year, handing Denver their third loss in four games.
Medical Evaluation and Next Steps
As of Tuesday morning, December 30, the Denver Nuggets have confirmed that Jokic is scheduled for an MRI to determine the extent of the damage to his left knee. Head coach David Adelman described the situation as "gut wrenching," noting that Jokic knew immediately that something was wrong.
"Immediately, he knew something was wrong," Adelman told reporters post-game. "Hey, 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. We'll find out more tomorrow."
The primary concern for the Nuggets is the potential for a ligament strain or tear. While a hyperextension can sometimes result in nothing more than a bone bruise or a minor sprain, it can also lead to more significant setbacks such as a meniscus tear or ACL damage. The MRI results will dictate whether Jokic faces a short term absence or a long term recovery process.
The Stakes for the Denver Nuggets
The timing of this injury could not be worse for a Denver team already decimated by physical setbacks. The Nuggets entered the game without starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Christian Braun (ankle), and Cameron Johnson (knee). Losing Jokic, who was averaging 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game this season, leaves the roster without its primary playmaker and emotional leader.
Historically, the Nuggets have struggled immensely without their centerpiece. Over the last five seasons, Denver has a 13-23 record in games Jokic has missed. With a looming seven game road trip and a highly competitive Western Conference, even a month long absence could significantly jeopardize Denver’s playoff seeding.
NBA MVP Race and League Impact
Beyond Denver, Jokic's injury sends ripples through the 2025-2026 NBA MVP race. Jokic was the betting favorite to win a record tying fourth MVP trophy, on pace to become the first player in history to average a 30 point triple double for an entire season. If he is sidelined for a significant stretch, the door swings open for contenders like Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Fans and players across the league have taken to social media to offer support, acknowledging that the NBA is simply better when its most unique talent is on the floor. For now, the city of Denver and the wider basketball world wait with bated breath for the MRI results that will define the rest of the Nuggets' season.