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Nikola Jokic Leads The League NBA In Three-Point Shooting Percentage
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic is redefining excellence in the NBA this season, showcasing an unprecedented combination of dominance, versatility, and efficiency. Through 11 games, Jokic is averaging a staggering 30.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 11.5 assists per game while shooting 56.3% from the field and an astounding 58.5% from three-point range. 

Not only does he lead the league in rebounds and assists, but his three-point shooting percentage also tops the NBA, marking a transformative development in his already elite offensive arsenal.

Jokic’s ability to adapt and elevate his game is a testament to his basketball IQ and work ethic. Losing sharpshooter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the offseason could have hampered the Denver Nuggets’ spacing and offensive efficiency, but Jokic stepped up, turning himself into one of the most reliable long-range shooters in the league. 

With a career-high 3.7 three-point attempts per game, Jokic has morphed into not just the best post player but also the most efficient three-point shooter, an almost unfair combination for opposing defenses.

The impact of Jokic’s brilliance extends far beyond individual stats. When he is on the court, the Nuggets boast an offensive rating of 125.8, which would rank as the best in NBA history. Conversely, when he sits, Denver’s offensive rating plummets to a historically bad 86.3. 

This stark contrast underscores just how critical Jokic is to the Nuggets' success, particularly as they navigate injuries to key players like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. His playmaking has elevated teammates like Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun, while third-year forward Peyton Watson has thrived as a complementary scorer, thanks to Jokic’s ability to create open looks.

Despite the team’s 8-6 start, which places them fifth in the Western Conference, Jokic’s consistent dominance keeps the Nuggets in contention. His ability to lead a depleted roster and maintain such high efficiency highlights his candidacy for a fourth MVP award. Jokic’s true shooting percentage of 67%, combined with his league-leading marks in offensive rebounds and second-chance points, further solidifies his case as the most impactful player in the NBA this season.

Jokic’s three-point shooting has been a revelation. No longer just a threat in the post or as a playmaker, his ability to stretch the floor has forced defenses to reconsider how they guard him. With opponents unable to sag off him on the perimeter, Jokic has more room to operate inside and create for his teammates. This evolution in his game makes him nearly impossible to defend, as he seamlessly transitions between scoring, rebounding, and orchestrating the offense.

If Jokic sustains this level of production, he not only positions himself as the front-runner for another MVP but also ensures the Nuggets remain a formidable force in the Western Conference. His ability to balance individual brilliance with team success has already earned him a spot among the game’s greats, and with his current trajectory, the legacy he is building may soon become one of the most storied in NBA history.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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