Nikola Jokic creates viral moment that must be seen to be believed

Nikola Jokic has been back in the Nuggets’ lineup for two games and made an immediate impact as if he never left. The reigning MVP missed five straight games with elbow and ankle injuries but returned on Wednesday, putting up 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists to help the team defeat the Bucks at home.

The Nuggets were back in action on Friday night, at home against the Jazz and Jokic came into the day listed as probable but ultimately played again. He led Denver to a second straight win with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists, playing just three quarters as they steamrolled Utah 129-93.

But the highlight of this one came in the waning seconds of the first half. After a Collin Sexton layup cut the lead to 54-47, the Nuggets had mere seconds to work with before halftime. Jokic took the ball out of the net, but he tossed it to Peyton Watson to inbound.

Watson zipped the ball in to the Joker who dribbled once to his left, then did an awkward Euro step move to his right before throwing the ball with one hand from 50+ feet away from the basket in an attempt to beat the buzzer.

Social Media goes crazy for Jokic’s latest buzzer-beating heave

And sure enough, Jokic buried yet another heave. This one was just incredible. He gathered the ball at his own three-point line, and cocked it back over his right shoulder, then launched it up with one hand almost like a shotput while jumping off of one leg, almost like a runner.

It was a truly absurd play, one that only Jokic would ever even dream of pulling off. This continues his ridiculous run of attempting heaves as this was his 20th of the season, a new NBA record. This is also his second made heave of the season which ties Steph Curry for the all-time single-season record.

The fact that Jokic is so willing to chuck up these shots is awesome. Stats and shooting percentages be damned, Jokic wants to make sure he beats the buzzer and gives his team any extra potential advantage. 

And that’s exactly what he’s done, even making 10% of shots from beyond halfcourt is crazily efficient. This one extended the Nuggets' lead back up to 10 and gave the team momentum that carried into the second half and helped them blow the game open for a big win.

The team loses absolutely nothing by attempting these plays and yet most teams and players don’t do so. Jokic continues to defy the norms and logic with his ridiculous plays, just one more example of why he’s the best basketball player in the world.