Nov 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic Breaks Silence on Injury Scare in Nuggets-Thunder

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 7:35 AM ET

Nikola Jokic is more than just the heart and soul of the Denver Nuggets, he's essentially the entire team. The Denver Nuggets big man may not be the favorite to win the MVP this season, but it's very clear that he's the most important player in the NBA by a wide margin.

During the first quarter of Sunday's game between the Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver fans were terrified when Jokic seemingly went down with an elbow injury in the first quarter.

Nikola Jokic was holding his right elbow after being fouled by Isaiah Hartenstein on this playpic.twitter.com/OI73zIvWzs
— Digits Sports App (@Digits3App) March 9, 2025

At one point in the game, Jokic shockingly missed two free throws in a row in a rare moment that fans attributed to his elbow injury scare.

Chet Holmgren with his 5th personal foul, 88 seconds into the 4th quarter (with a replay). Nikola Jokic, bothered by an elbow injury, misses both free throws. pic.twitter.com/7J3bCz0PaE
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) March 9, 2025

Fortunately, after the game, Jokic revealed that his elbow bothered him a bit after the fall, but that he's largely fine.

Nikola Jokic said his elbow bothered him a little bit after that early fall, but he’s fine.
— Vinny Benedetto (@VBenedetto) March 9, 2025

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone echoed his superstar's statement, claiming that Jokic's elbow is fine.

Michael Malone says Nikola Jokic's elbow is fine.
— Vinny Benedetto (@VBenedetto) March 9, 2025

Through 58 games this season, Jokic is averaging 28.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.5 assists on 57/43/81 shooting from the field. On Sunday, he had a rare moment of playing below his averages, putting up 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists on 44/20/33 shooting from the field.

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets get a second chance against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night after Sunday's disappointing outcome. If Denver loses again, it may be time to concede that Oklahoma City is simply the better team right now.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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