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yesterday

Nikola Jokic Exits With Left Knee Injury as Nuggets Schedule MRI After Loss to Heat

An MRI on Tuesday will determine severity following a first-half hyperextension caused by accidental contact.

Image
Dec 29, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; \h545\ goes for a steal against New York Knicks forward/guard Og Anunoby (8) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) drives to the net against Orlando Magic guard Tyus Jones (2) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) is guarded by Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) in the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Nikola Jokic left just before halftime after teammate Spencer Jones stepped on his left foot, causing his knee to buckle under the basket.
  • Jokic did not return and still led Denver with 21 points, eight assists and five rebounds in 19 minutes as the Nuggets fell 147-123 and were outscored by 24 after the break.
  • Denver confirmed a Tuesday MRI to define the injury, and head coach David Adelman said the team is concerned for Jokic and will know more after imaging.
  • Jamal Murray voiced hope for good news and stressed a next-man-up approach, with Denver already without Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Cam Johnson.
  • Sports-medicine analyst Brian Sutterer said video suggests a lower-grade hyperextension rather than an ACL tear, though he emphasized the MRI is decisive, and Heat center Bam Adebayo offered public praise and well-wishes.