Nikola Jokic’s health is a major concern for many Denver Nuggets fans as he is still fresh from a long layoff due to a calf injury. It is expected that he will have minute restrictions but that was thrown out the window in the team’s overtime loss to the New York Knicks.
Jokic played above 44 minutes in the loss. He saw 25 minutes of action in his first game back on January 30 against the Los Angeles Clippers and it was gradually raised to 33 in the third game.
Head coach David Adelman said the three-time MVP’s huge minutes was out of necessity. He also clarified that Jokic was medically cleared to play beyond recommended minutes.
“There was an ‘I don’t care’ factor once it got to overtime,” Adelman told reporters after the game.
“We talked about it, and then medical, they said no, he’s fine to go. I think the issue would have been if I had sat him too long and then tried to get him back in for key moments. Once the overtime started, the game just keeps going. It keeps flowing.”
Jokic finished with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in the defeat. Jamal Murray scored a game high 39 points.
Nikola Jokic himself is not worried
Fans have every reason to worry about their MVP. Another missed game could mean missing out on major end-of-season awards due to the NBA eligibility rules.
At one point in the game, it appeared that he got injured after stepping on an opponent’s foot. He need Murray to help him get up to be able to continue.
Jokic seems to get hurt again on this play #Nuggets #Knicks #NBA pic.twitter.com/7DSZ562OPX
— SportsTrap (@SportsTrapX) February 5, 2026
There are concerns about his minutes but the Joker himself is being calm about it. He said he is not tired and that it is a normal response based on what the game asks of him.
Nikola Jokic was completely unconcerned about the minutes, said he felt good after the game. “I don’t feel any tiredness.” He also said that going past the restriction was a “normal thing to do” under the circumstances. https://t.co/N46iBEWxi6
— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) February 5, 2026
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
