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The Denver Nuggets are suddenly holding their breath and hoping for the best.
Star center and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic suffered the injury on Monday, Dec. 29, when he awkwardly hyperextended his left knee in a game against the Miami Heat. Jokic limped off the court with an extreme limp and did not return until the second half.
“He knew right away that something was wrong,” Nuggets coach David Adelman told reporters after the game, which the Heat ultimately won 147-123. “This is part of the NBA. Anybody that gets hurt, it’s heartbreaking, especially for someone as special as him.”
The Nuggets initially said Jokic was not on the floor at the start of the second half and was questionable to return to the game.
The injury occurred late in the second quarter with six seconds left in the game when Jokic was defending in the paint. Nuggets forward Spencer Jones was pushed backwards as he shuffled, and Jones stepped on Jokic’s left foot as he kicked it, causing his left knee to buckle and hyperextend backwards.
Jokic lay on the court, clearly uncomfortable, clutching his knees. Trainers and medical staff tended to him, and he eventually got up and left the floor.
The immediate concern is ligament damage, which could cause Jokic to miss extended periods in a worst-case scenario. The Nuggets plan to evaluate Jokic through testing and imaging on Tuesday, Dec. 30, before providing a more complete update.
“Tomorrow we’re going to find out more about ourselves and move forward as a team,” Adelman said. “I’m more worried about him as a person and the disappointment of going through something like that. It’s unfortunate, but we’re hoping for the best. We have to stop to give our teammates the best support we can and respect them when they play.”
“It’s disappointing, but we’re hoping for the best.”
Jokic played MVP-caliber basketball for Denver this season, averaging 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds and 11.1 assists in 31 games.
In the first half against Miami, Jokic had 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, eight assists and five rebounds.
With Jokic sidelined at least temporarily, the Nuggets now have four of their five starters injured. Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Cameron Johnson (knee) and Christian Braun (ankle) are also out.
Denver falls to 22-10 and is currently on a seven-game road trip. Their next game will be Wednesday, December 31st against the Toronto Raptors.
