Nikola Jokic Poised to Make NBA History Against Spurs
The Denver Nuggets finish their 2026 regular season Sunday in San Antonio. Nikola Jokic will play after sitting out the previous win over Oklahoma City.
Jokic set to appear in finale
Jared Weiss of The Athletic reported Jokic will suit up to reach the 65-game threshold. The decision follows Denver’s 127-107 victory over the Thunder, a game Jokic did not play.
Historic statistical chase
Jokic leads the league with 12.9 rebounds per game. He also tops assists at 10.9 per contest.
Leading the NBA in both rebounds and assists in one season would be a first. The milestone explains why Jokic is being described as poised to make NBA history in the Spurs matchup.
Season numbers and profile
Jokic is in his 11th NBA season, all with Denver. He is a three-time MVP.
His season averages stand at 27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists. He adds 1.4 steals per game while shooting 56.9 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from distance.
Team implications and roster notes
The Nuggets enter the final night as the West’s third seed. Denver holds a 53-28 mark through 81 games and rides an 11-game winning streak.
The Spurs will sit Victor Wembanyama, according to reports. San Antonio already met the 65-game threshold for key players.
Why Jokic traveled
Bennett Durando of The Denver Post said national television affected the decision. With the game on ESPN, Denver faced a Player Participation Policy fine if both Jokic and Jamal Murray had rested.
Playoff context
Last season the Nuggets lost to Oklahoma City in the second round. Denver has not returned to the Western Conference finals since its 2023 title run.
With Jokic healthy and the club hot, Denver enters the postseason with realistic hopes for a deep run.
The finale tips at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Filmogaz.com will continue coverage as the matchup concludes.
