Nikola Jokic shuts down social media with insane pass in return to action

After a five-game absence, Nikola Jokic finally made his return to the Nuggets lineup on Wednesday night and he did so with a bang. He had been out for a week and a half with ankle and elbow injuries but came back to spearhead a much-needed 127-117 win over the Bucks in Ball Arena.

Jokic looked no worse for the wear, scoring at will and controlling the game against a Milwaukee squad that was missing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to the tune of 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists - his 30th triple-double of the season. But the show-stopper for the Joker and the moment you knew he was all the way back, was when he pulled off an assist that will go on his all-time highlight reel.

Jokic clowns Lopez with no-look dime

Early in the third quarter, Jokic pump faked at the top of the key and dribbled to his left toward Kyle Kuzma. He gained a step on Kuz, forcing Brook Lopez to step up and what Jokic did next caught Lopez completely off guard and made him look silly.

Jokic started to spin back to his right, but mid-spin, with his back to the basket, Jokic caught the ball in mid-air with his left hand and whizzed a pass right past Lopez’s ear, into the waiting hands of a cutting Aaron Gordon for a wide-open dunk.

Even for Jokic, this was an incredible play and one of the prettiest passes of his illustrious career. He continues to prove that he’s one of if not the best passing big man of all time, and the casual nature with which he pulled off this piece of brilliance was just the latest example.

Sure enough, NBA media and fans were happy to see Jokic back on the court and social media blew up after the incredible pass. This amazing pass immediately goes on the Joker’s career-long highlight reel and is in the running for his play of the year along with his full-court heave against the Kings.

Jokic looking fresh after time off

The pass was truly a play for the ages but the most important thing was seeing Jokic back on the court, looking fresh and spry. He got up for dunks and seemed to have a little pep in his step as well. His injuries were absolutely legitimate, but Jokic was also exhausted with the burden he was carrying.

Assuming he's out of the woods, the time off may prove to be a blessing in disguise. Now the Nuggets have eight more regular season games to round into their final form and get into a good rhythm before what is hopefully, a lengthy playoff run.