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Nikola Jokic just added another gem to his growing postseason legacy. In a must-win matchup against the top-seeded Thunder, the Nuggets' star exploded for 42 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, pushing Denver one step closer to the Western Conference Finals. While the scoreline alone turned heads, it was the ease and composure with which he dismantled the NBA's top-ranked defense that left analysts scrambling for comparisons.
Jokic's monster night earned him a spot in an exclusive playoff club alongside Shaquille O'Neal,Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Wilt Chamberlain, players who posted 40-20-5 stat lines on the biggest stage. But what really separates Jokic is how he got there.
The flaw Shaq couldn't overcome
On the latest episode of Run It Back, former NBA player Chandler Parsons pointed out what makes Jokic's dominance so unique: there's no obvious weakness. "With Shaq, at least you had a game plan, foul him," said Parsons. "With Jokic? Nothing works."
He's not wrong. While Shaq was nearly unstoppable in the paint, his free-throw struggles made "Hack-a-Shaq" a go-to tactic. Jokic, however, shoots over 80% from the line for his career. That means defenders can't foul him and hope for the best. They just have to watch him score.
Even Michael Jordan wasn't immune to strategic defenses. The infamous "Jordan Rules" aimed to wear him down with physical play. Jokic, on the other hand, seems unfazed by pressure, calmly hitting clutch shots and making the right every time.
Shaq gives Jokic his blessing
What's even more telling? Shaquille O'Neal himself is buying the hype. On his podcast, The Big Podcast, Shaq named Jokic in his top five centers of all time, putting him alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell.
"He's already a champ," said O'Neal. "He has access to the building."
That's high praise from a player known for guarding the gates of greatness. Jokic may still be in his prime, but with another ring or MVP, the Joker might just take the penthouse.