Jokić Shines with 19 Assists as Haliburton Hails His Unique Impact on the Game

“It was that type of night,” Jokić modestly reflected on yet another exceptional display, as he captivated the Indiana Pacers with a personal best of 19 assists.

True to form, the Serbian center made it appear effortless, orchestrating one impressive play after another as the Denver Nuggets effortlessly triumphed over Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

When asked about his career-high performance post-game, the three-time NBA MVP appeared, as is typical for him, unfazed by the achievement.

“Every game presents its own challenges. Tonight, my teammates were hitting their shots, making great cuts, and I was able to find them. That’s just how it went,” Jokić shared, expressing that he still prefers creating assists over scoring. “Absolutely, yes.”

In typical fashion, he was unaware during the game that he was reaching a milestone he hadn’t achieved before.

“No, I don’t [monitor that], but it’s nice to learn about it afterward,” Jokić mentioned regarding his new personal record.

Despite his humility and tendency to downplay his remarkable performance, Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who observed Jokić’s latest feat up close, was thoroughly impressed.

“If you slip up on defense, he’ll spot it and take advantage. Rarely can you make a mistake without him capitalizing on it. Just look at his stats—19 assists—that’s remarkable for a player of his size. What he’s accomplished in our league and continues to achieve is unparalleled. He’s just extraordinary,” Haliburton praised.

The Olympic gold medalist and one of the NBA’s premier point guards noted that the Nuggets play a distinctive style of basketball, thanks to their Serbian titan.

“Whenever I made an error, he made sure to exploit it. His style presents a unique challenge, and we need to step up. I have to improve, especially in critical moments—I made a few mistakes that he took full advantage of. However, I believe the Nuggets perfectly illustrate the flawed perception held by those who don’t truly understand the NBA, claiming we all play alike. No one plays like them. No one can replicate what they do because of his influence. They create a different challenge, and he’s truly exceptional,” Haliburton concluded.