Nikola Jokic is already throwing amazing passes in preason.
It feels like football season just started, but the NBA is already back, at least in terms of preseason games. The Denver Nuggets opened preseason against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, and Nikola Jokic didn’t waste any time reminding the world that he’s still one of the very best players alive. Jokic threw multiple no-look passes during the first quarter, including a ridiculous behind-the-back whip pass to the corner for an open Cam Johnson three-pointer.
Jokic’s greatness isn’t really a question anymore. He’s one of nine players in league history to have at least three MVPs, he led his team to the 2023 championship, and he should surpass the recently retired Russell Westbrook as the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles at some point this season.
Jokic doesn’t need the preseason to tune-up, so instead he’s using it have some fun. Watch this ridiculous pass in his preseason opener here:
Cam Johnson absolutely had to make that shot when Jokic threw him such a pretty pass. Missing that shot to ruin the highlight is one of the worst feelings you can have on a basketball court. Johnson didn’t screw it up, and I’m going to say that’s a positive omen for the Nuggets in the 2026-27 season.
Jokic finished with seven assists in 15 minutes. It was a rough debut for Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson: the No. 2 overall pick finished with three points in 19 minutes. Utah beat Denver, 109-97, but who cares about that. This Jokic pass is the only thing anyone is going to remember about this game.