Joker Makes Historic Comeback on January 31
On January 31, 2026, Nikola Jokić, affectionately known as the “Joker,” made a triumphant return to the NBA. After missing 16 consecutive games due to a knee injury, the three-time MVP rejoined the Denver Nuggets, who had managed to stay competitive in his absence. The Nuggets held the third position in the Western Conference, boasting the highest offensive rating in the league.
Historic Comeback by Joker
Jokić’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. He recorded 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists in under 25 minutes of play. This statline made him the first player in NBA history to achieve more than 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists while playing fewer than 25 minutes in a game.
- Points: 31
- Rebounds: 12
- Assists: 5
- Field Goals: 8 of 11
- Minutes Played: < 25
The game was also significant as it coincided with Serbian Heritage Night, further energizing the atmosphere at the arena. Teammates like Tim Hardaway Jr., Peyton Watson, and Jamal Murray supported Jokić well, combining for a total of 63 points that helped lead the Nuggets to a 122-109 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Luka Dončić Shines as Well
Meanwhile, Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers continued to impress. He produced a stellar performance, finishing with 37 points, while also achieving a first-half triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in just 24 minutes. Dončić’s historic achievement included becoming one of the few players since 1997-98 to record multiple first-half triple-doubles.
Other Notable Performances
Several other noteworthy games occurred across the league on this date, including:
- Pistons vs. Warriors: The Pistons won 131-124, with Cade Cunningham shining with 29 points and 11 assists. This marked the highest scoring half against a top-ten defense this season.
- Magic vs. Raptors: The Magic overcame a 13-point deficit to win 130-120, marking a massive fourth-quarter rally. Desmond Bane scored 32 points to lead his team.
- Knicks vs. Blazers: The Knicks cruised to a 127-97 victory, with Jalen Brunson surpassing 10,000 career points.
Upcoming Highlights
The NBA schedule for February looks promising. The league will celebrate NBA Pioneers Day on February 1, featuring a classic game between the Bucks and Celtics to honor Black History Month.
As the season unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate more performances from stars like Jokić and Dončić, especially as they push for playoff positions.
