Nikola Jokic's Stats Against The Best Defenders In Today's NBA Since His First MVP Award

Nikola Jokic continues to make headlines time and time again. After winning his third MVP trophy, many are already contemplating where to place the Serbian among the all-time great centers. With an NBA title and Finals MVP to his name, Jokic still has a lot to accomplish beyond dominating the stat sheet and he has a chance this season to make the Western Conference Finals with a Game 7 scheduled against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jokic’s dominance against Rudy Gobert in the second round of the playoffs has raised eyebrows because he is posting 28.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game against the four-time Defensive Player of the Year. That has led us to collect the 10 best defenders in the NBA and analyze how they have done against Jokic in terms of production on the stat sheet. Only the players that have played against Jokic from 2020-21 will be included which means Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren do not qualify. 

Rules: From 2020-21 season until 2023-24 season

Nikola Jokic vs. Draymond Green

Regular Season: 25.4 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 10.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Playoffs: 31.0 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Despite Draymond Green's claims about his defensive abilities in Inside The NBA, Jokic's statistical output demonstrates his skill to score, rebound, and distribute effectively against Green and the Warriors. Green's smaller stature compared to Jokic's larger frame (6'6" and 230 lbs vs. 6'11" and 284 lbs) highlights the challenge he faces in defending Jokic effectively.

In the regular season, Jokic has averaged 25.4 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game against Green while in the playoffs, Jokic's production has increased to 31.0 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. 

Green, known for his defensive acumen and versatility, has had some success against Jokic, particularly in the regular season, where he won four out of five games with the Warriors in the 2022 season when the team won the NBA title. However, Jokic's stat sheet dominance indicates that he has been able to impact the game significantly against Green, leveraging his size and skillset to influence the outcome.

Nikola Jokic vs. Rudy Gobert

Regular Season: 29.7 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Playoffs: 29.1 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 9.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG

In the regular season, Jokic has averaged 29.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game against Gobert. These numbers illustrate how Jokic can contribute across multiple statistical categories, despite Gobert's defensive prowess as a four-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Jokic's production has been similarly impressive in the postseason, averaging 29.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game against Gobert. This consistency highlights Jokic's ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations, leading to a 7-3 record against Gobert in playoff matchups, with the three losses occurring in this year's second round.

Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, has had success in limiting Jokic's scoring output to some extent, holding him to around 30 points per game. However, Jokic's domination in rebounding and playmaking has been consistent against Gobert, showcasing his all-around impact on the court.

Nikola Jokic vs. Joel Embiid

Regular Season: 23.7 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Playoffs: N/A

In their limited matchups, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid have engaged in compelling battles on the court. Embiid has proven to be a formidable opponent, holding his own against Jokic in the three games they've faced each other. Embiid has emerged victorious twice, averaging 31.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game against Jokic. Embiid has also managed a monster 47-point performance against Jokic on January 28, 2023. If there is one center who can go toe-to-toe with Jokic, it is probably Embiid and he might be the only one.

In contrast, Jokic has seen his numbers dip when facing Embiid, a testament to the defensive prowess of one of the league's premier centers. Despite these individual matchups, Jokic has prioritized team success, having led the Nuggets to an NBA Finals appearance, while Embiid has yet to advance to an Eastern Conference Finals.

Nikola Jokic vs. Anthony Davis

Regular Season: 27.3 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 7.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG

Playoffs: 28.0 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis have engaged in compelling matchups, both in the regular season and playoffs. During the regular season, Jokic has averaged 27.3 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game against Davis. In the playoffs, Jokic's numbers against Davis have been even more impressive, averaging 28.0 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game.

These statistics underscore Jokic's ability to elevate his game in high-stakes situations, including leading his team to an 8-1 record against Davis in playoff matchups, including a sweep in last year’s Western Conference Finals.

Davis has shown his offensive capabilities as well, notably scoring 40 points against Jokic in Game 1 of last year's Western Conference Finals. In return, Jokic has countered with his own dominant performances, such as scoring 35 points in a recent regular-season game against Davis.

Despite Davis's strong individual performances, particularly in the playoffs (27.3 PPG, 14.9 RPG against Jokic), Jokic has had more team success and has won six out of their ten regular-season matchups. This highlights Jokic's ability to impact the game beyond individual statistics, contributing to team victories against Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Nikola Jokic vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Regular Season: 30.3 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.5 BPG

Playoffs: N/A

In their matchups, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have engaged in tightly contested battles on the court. Despite Giannis holding a scoring edge with 30.3 points per game, along with 1.7 steals and 1.5 blocks, Jokic has asserted his dominance in rebounding and passing. Notably, Jokic recorded a game-high 37 points in one meeting against Giannis, who managed 36 in another.

The statistics are closely matched, highlighting Giannis's status as an elite defender and former Defensive Player of the Year. However, Jokic has emerged victorious in four out of their six encounters. Even if Giannis has had help with Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis in recent years, Jokic has managed strong stats against him even if his playmaking has been subpar. 

Nikola Jokic vs. Bam Adebayo

Regular Season: 20.4 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 8.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Playoffs: 30.2 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 7.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Nikola Jokic and Bam Adebayo have had significant matchups both in the regular season and playoffs, with Jokic demonstrating his versatility and dominance. In the regular season, Jokic averaged 20.4 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game against Adebayo. These numbers are slightly below Jokic's typical standards, suggesting Adebayo's defensive prowess in limiting Jokic's production.

However, in the playoffs, particularly during the 2023 Finals, Jokic elevated his game significantly. He averaged 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game against Adebayo. Jokic's performance included a standout game where he scored 41 points in Game 2 of the 2023 Finals, highlighting his dominance over Adebayo.

Adebayo is known for his elite defense, characterized by quick feet and explosiveness, yet he struggled to contain Jokic's size and skillset consistently. Despite Adebayo's defensive capabilities, Jokic has won the individual matchups on the stat sheet. 

Nikola Jokic vs. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Regular Season: 24.1 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Playoffs: N/A

Unsurprisingly, Nikola Jokic has demonstrated his offensive prowess against Jaren Jackson Jr., who has shown promise but struggled to contain Jokic's dominance. During the regular season, Jokic has averaged 24.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game against Jackson. These numbers reflect Jokic's ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, particularly in scoring and rebounding.

Defensively, Jackson has managed to influence the game with 2.3 blocks per game and has forced Jokic into 3.5 turnovers per game. However, Jokic's offensive output has remained strong, leading to a significant impact on the outcome of their matchups. Despite the Grizzlies’ center’s defensive efforts, Jokic has led his teams to seven wins out of their 11 meetings.

Jackson Jr, a young player who became the Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, has shown improvement and potential. His rebounding remains a weaker point at 4.9 rebounds per game against Jokic, which highlights an area for improvement. Meanwhile, Jokic's skill of dominating the glass and controlling the offensive flow has been a key factor in his success against Jackson Jr.

Nikola Jokic vs. Clint Capela

Regular Season: 19.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Playoffs: N/A

Nikola Jokic and Clint Capela have faced off in the regular season only without playoff appearances. Jokic has averaged 19.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game against Capela, nearly a triple-double average. His scoring, however, has been lower than his usual standards, likely due to Capela's defensive efforts.

Defensively, Jokic has been effective against Capela, limiting him to 14.8 points per game. Despite Capela's quickness and athleticism, Jokic's size and skillset have enabled him to control the matchup, leading to a 6-2 record for Jokic's teams in their regular-season meetings.

While Capela has had some success against Jokic, particularly defensively, the Nuggets have generally outperformed the Hawks as a team. Jokic can impact the game with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking making him a more influential player overall.

Nikola Jokic vs. Myles Turner

Regular Season: 26.4 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 7.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Playoffs: N/A

Nikola Jokic also dominated against Myles Turner, a center known for his elite rim protection and shot-blocking. Turner averages around 2.2 blocks per game for his career and maintains a similar average of 2.5 blocks per game against Jokic. Despite Turner's defensive prowess, Jokic has managed to post impressive numbers in their five regular-season matchups.

Jokic’s shooting efficiency stands out, as he has connected on 58.8% of his field goal attempts in these encounters. This high shooting percentage underscores Jokic's understanding on how to navigate Turner's shot-blocking presence and find ways to score efficiently.

In their five meetings, Jokic has emerged victorious each time, further emphasizing his dominance. While Turner may have the edge in shot-blocking, Jokic's advantage in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking highlights his comprehensive impact on the game.

Nikola Jokic vs. Jarrett Allen

Regular Season: 21.4 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 10.3 APG, 2.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Playoffs: N/A

Jarrett Allen, who made his first All-Star team in the 2021-22 season, has elite athleticism and defensive prowess at the center position. His ability to move his feet well and contest shots quickly makes him a formidable opponent for any center, including Jokic.

In their eight regular-season encounters, Jokic has averaged 21.4 points, 13.3 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 2.8 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. While these numbers highlight Jokic's exceptional all-around game, it's notable that his scoring average is somewhat tempered compared to his usual output. This indicates that Allen's quickness and agility can pose significant challenges for Jokic, forcing him to rely more on his playmaking skills.

Despite this, Jokic's triple-double capabilities shine through. Jokic's record against Allen stands at 5-3 although it's worth noting that Jokic's highest-scoring game against Allen is just 28 points, suggesting that Allen's defensive skills effectively limit Jokic's scoring potential. This matchup exemplifies how a quicker and more athletic center like Allen can give Jokic more problems than a slower opponent can.