Hold on to your hats, basketball fans! Nikola Jokic just etched his name even deeper into NBA history, achieving a feat many thought was impossible for a center. In a dazzling performance, the Denver Nuggets powered past the Orlando Magic with a final score of 126-115, but the real story is Jokic becoming the all-time assists leader among centers!
Published on December 19, 2025, at 4:53:11 AM, by Michael Kelly of the Associated Press, the game recap highlights Jokic's incredible stat line: 23 points, a staggering 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. This wasn't just another triple-double for "The Joker" (his 13th of the season, by the way). This was the game he surpassed the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career assist total for a center. Jokic entered the game needing just six assists to break the record of 5,660 assists held by Abdul-Jabbar. The historic moment arrived with 6:26 remaining in the first half when Jokic dished a pass to Jalen Pickett, who promptly drained a 3-pointer. It was a beautiful moment of teamwork that simultaneously celebrated Jokic's individual brilliance.
But the Nuggets' victory wasn't solely a one-man show. Jamal Murray exploded for 32 points, with a phenomenal 20 of those coming in a pivotal second quarter that completely shifted the game's momentum. Denver's win marks their sixth consecutive victory, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, on the Orlando Magic side, Paolo Banchero put up a valiant effort, recording his third career triple-double with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was his first triple-double since March 20, 2024. However, the Magic were hampered by key absences. They were already missing their leading scorer, Franz Wagner, due to a sprained left ankle, and then Jalen Suggs was sidelined with a left hip contusion sustained during the NBA Cup semifinal loss to New York. To add to Orlando's efforts, Wendell Carter Jr. also chipped in with 26 points.
And this is the part most people miss... Murray, despite having an incredible career, has never been selected for an All-Star team. This season, however, he's averaging a career-high 25.2 points per game, and an even more impressive 28.1 points in December, including a scorching 52-point performance against Indiana just two weeks prior. His hot hand was evident in the second quarter, where he sank 5 of 6 3-point attempts, helping the Nuggets erase a 14-point deficit.
The Nuggets were initially down 47-33 in the second quarter. But then they unleashed a stunning 35-7 run in the final 6:26 of the half, transforming the deficit into a 68-54 halftime lead. Denver extended their lead to 81-60 early in the third quarter before Orlando mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 92-83. However, a timely 3-pointer by Cam Johnson (who finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds) ignited another Nuggets surge.
The Magic managed to pull within 121-115 with 1:32 left on the clock, but Johnson sealed the victory with a clutch corner 3-pointer.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will visit Utah on Saturday night, while the Nuggets will host the Houston Rockets for the second time in six days on Saturday afternoon.
Now, here's a point that's sure to spark some debate: Is Nikola Jokic already the greatest passing center in NBA history? Abdul-Jabbar dominated in a different era, but Jokic's court vision and passing ability are truly revolutionary for a player of his size. Could Jokic be considered a top 10 player of all time when his career is finished? Or even higher? What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
