Nikola Jokic Missing Just 5 Total Shots In His Last 4 Games Is One Of The Most Insane Runs The NBA Has Ever Seen

Thearon W. Henderson. Getty Images.

While the highlight of last night for Nikola Jokic was undoubtfully his 39ft game winner

which capped off an incredible 18 point Nuggets comeback with about 6 minutes left, that's really just the tip of the iceberg when you take a step back and actually realize what Jokic accomplished last night. Just when you might think there's nothing that Jokic could do at this point that would shock you considering he's been dominating for so long and putting up video game numbers for years, he comes out and does this

13-16 is pretty good right? Well what if I told you that was just the latest performance in one of the greatest 4 game stretches the NBA has ever seen?

We've currently been blessed with a handful of crazy stretches from elite talent these last few weeks, ranging from Embiid's 14 straight games of 30/10 while never really playing a 4th quarter, Tyrese Haliburton having 66 AST and just 4 TOs in his last 4 games including two different 20+ AST performances (back to back), and then a world where Nikola Jokic has missed just 5 shots total in his last 4 games played (39-44 in 127 minutes).

vs MEM: 11-11

vs OKC: 9-10

vs CHA: 6-7

vs GS: 13-16

How is that even possible? Even if you want to try and spin it by saying it's easier because he's only taken 4 3PA (4-4) over this stretch and is just shooting close to the basket, that means nothing to me. Sometimes players smoke bunnies, even from point blank range. To miss just 5 shots in 44 attempts is insane, regardless of what type of shots are being taken. 

Then you also realize Jokic is also putting up 11 rebounds and 8 assists over this run and it makes things even more impressive. I'm a firm believer that if you are accomplishing something that's only been outdone by WILT CHAMBERLAIN, it's a pretty big deal. If a player shows me something that I've most definitely never seen in my life before, I think that deserves some praise. The same way Embiid's ridiculous season deserves praise or the way Haliburton is stacking up crazy assist totals.

I will say though, it does feel like we're destined for another Jokic vs Embiid MVP race, but part of me feels like this time around will be a whole lot less toxic now that Embiid got his MVP and Jokic got his ring. Finally, we can have this debate be about the basketball being played and not the narratives. Personally, I think Embiid has a pretty comfortable lead at this point of the season, but Jokic is definitely lurking. The only thing that I think can derail Embiid is the 65 games played requirement. He's getting pretty damn close to that 65 game limit, and I wonder how the Sixers handle things like B2Bs moving forward now that Embiid already has his MVP. 

Even with the MVP narrative pushes of players like SGA or Luka, last night was a nice little reminder that Nikola Jokic is not to be overlooked and is still very much in the MVP race. His numbers this season are slightly better than some of his previous MVP seasons, and the Nuggets are just 0.5 games out of the top seed in the West.

Regardless of who wins the MVP, the fact remains that the talent in the league has truly never been better. I know it's the trendy thing to shit on the NBA and the product, but I'll never understand why. It's been must watch TV essentially every single night, and guys like Jokic are a big reason why.