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Nikola Jokić preseason performance and activities

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2026-10-13 15:58 UTC → 2026-10-18 10:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Nikola Jokić has maintained a high profile during the NBA preseason through both playmaking displays and on-court physical confrontations. Following the Denver Nuggets’ 109-97 loss to the Utah Jazz, Jokić was noted for his playmaking in limited minutes, recording three points, three rebounds, and seven assists. His performance was highlighted by a “spectacular no-look, behind-the-back cross-court pass” that assisted Cameron Johnson for a three-pointer. Off the court, Jokić and several teammates attended an event at Folsom Field in Boulder related to Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes football program. In subsequent matchups against the Jazz, the Nuggets secured 117-106 victories. These games were marked by repeated physical altercations between Jokić and Jazz center Jaxson Hayes. After Hayes shoved Jokić, Jokić responded with “heavy contact” while reaching for the ball, resulting in a technical foul being assessed to him. Despite the confrontation, Denver's wins were supported by Aaron Gordon's scoring. Jokić’s preseason form continued to evolve in a victory against the Chicago Bulls, where he recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in under 27 minutes. He shot 8-of-12 from the field to help Denver overcome a 15-point deficit. Even after exiting the game, he remained engaged on the bench to provide tactical guidance during the 133-128 win. In a subsequent 121-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Jokić’s impact drew comparisons from peers. Lakers center Walker Kessler described Jokić as potentially the “best player in the NBA” and the league’s “premier big man.” Additionally, Nuggets guard Tyus Jones emphasized the offensive threat posed by the duo of Jokić and Jamal Murray. Beyond his on-court performance, Jokić has expanded his off-court presence by being named a global brand ambassador for Sprite. In media discussions, he identified his “Mount Rushmore” of basketball legends as Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Stephen Curry. Furthermore, CBS Sports preseason rankings placed him third in their top 100 players list for the upcoming season.

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