Fans of the Denver Nuggets and the NBA are holding their breath after their three-time Most Valuable Player, Nikola Jokic, suffered a worrying left knee injury. The incident occurred during a game against the Miami Heat on Monday night, casting a shadow over the team's immediate future.
How the Injury Happened: A Painful Hyperextension
With only six seconds left on the clock in the second quarter, disaster struck for the Denver Nuggets. Jokic appeared to hyperextend his left knee after an awkward collision where teammate Spencer Jones accidentally stepped on him near the basket. Medical experts define a hyperextension as an event where the knee bends backward beyond its normal range, often risking damage to the ligaments.
Jokic collapsed to the floor in clear agony and was seen leaving the court with a pronounced limp. Although he was initially listed as questionable to return, the Serbian center did not play again for the remainder of the game. Nuggets coach David Adelman confirmed the severity, stating, "Immediately, he knew something was wrong... This is part of the NBA. Anyone who gets hurt, it’s gut-wrenching, especially somebody as special as he is."
Awaiting the MRI and Potential Impact
The precise nature of the damage is still unknown. Jokic is scheduled for an MRI scan on Tuesday, which will reveal if there is any significant ligament involvement, particularly to the crucial ACL. The team and fans are desperately hoping the injury is minor, but his return timeline remains completely unclear until the results are in.
This injury presents a major challenge for the Denver Nuggets, who built their roster this offseason to be more resilient. The coming period will test their depth like never before. Even a moderate injury could sideline Jokic for a significant stretch, which would be a rare occurrence for the league's ironman. Since 2017, Jokic has not missed more than five consecutive games, building a reputation as one of the NBA's most durable superstars during his MVP campaigns.
Jokic's History with Injuries
This is not the first time Nikola Jokic has dealt with physical setbacks. The 2025 season has already been challenging, with both Jokic and co-star Jamal Murray missing games earlier due to various ailments. Jokic has previously managed a right elbow bruise and an ankle impingement that limited his mobility, requiring prescribed rest from the coaching staff.
The latest left knee issue adds to that list. As the basketball world waits anxiously for the MRI report, the Nuggets must prepare for their next game against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, January 1, 2026, potentially without their best player. Coach Adelman remained cautiously optimistic after the game, saying the team would "go through the process properly" and that he is "hoping for the best." For now, all eyes are on Tuesday's medical evaluation.
