DENVER – The Denver Nuggets have found ways to stay relevant in the top-heavy Western Conference. They have done so despite missing starters for most of the season. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have driven that resilience. A freak injury to Jokic on Monday night nearly confirms this season from hell for Denver.
Nikola Jokic’s Freak Injury Confirms Every Nuggets Fan Worst Fear
A Strong Record Hiding Real Problems
Denver sits third in the West with a 22–10 record. That mark masks the team’s deeper struggles. The Nuggets have played without two starters for over a month. Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon remain sidelined.
Braun has been out since mid-November. He sustained a left ankle sprain. The team announced a six-week recovery timeline. Gordon followed a week later on the injury report. He suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. The Nuggets said they will reevaluate him in four to six weeks.
Defensive Anchors Missing in Action
Both starters anchor Denver’s defensive identity. Gordon averaged 19 points and six rebounds before going down. Braun continues to be a two-way force. He averages 11 points, over four rebounds, and three assists. Summer acquisition Cam Johnson has also missed time recently. A right knee injury will sideline him for several more weeks.
The Moment That Changed Everything
The season took a darker turn Sunday night. Nikola Jokic suffered a freak injury. The incident occurred when Spencer Jones fell onto Jokic’s leg. Jokic’s leg bent unnaturally. He went down awkwardly after his left knee appeared to hyperextend.
Early Reports Offer Cautious Optimism
Meridian Sport, a Serbian sports outlet, provided the first update. Jokic reportedly suffered a left knee hyperextension. The outlet noted no signs of ligament or structural damage. The team has not released an official medical report. Early signs suggest a best-case scenario for Denver of two to four weeks absence.
If confirmed, Jokic may have narrowly avoided a season-altering injury. That matters given the historic level of his play.
Jokic’s Dominance and Durability
Jokic is averaging nearly 30 points, over 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. He shoots over 60.5 percent from the field. He also shoots better than 43.5 percent from three. Jokic leads the league in assists and rebounds. He sits near the top in scoring.
Durability has defined Jokic’s career. He has played at least 69 games every season. His reliability has anchored Denver’s consistency. It has also fueled championship aspirations. The team has leaned even more heavily on him and Murray this season.
What Comes Next for Denver
Murray’s injury history complicates the picture. That reality raises concerns about Denver’s ceiling. Injuries may ultimately derail this iteration of the powerhouse.
The immediate concern centers on survival without Jokic. Who can realistically shoulder that burden? Ironically, the answer may trace back to the offseason. Denver’s decision to swap Michael Porter Jr. for Johnson now carries greater importance. The team’s improved depth may determine whether it weathers this storm.