Nikola Jokic Surpasses Shaquille O’Neal on All-Time List After 55-Point Game: “Joker Is a Gift to the Game”

Jokic’s Record-Breaking Night Cements His Place Among NBA Legends

In a league brimming with superstars, Nikola Jokic continues to stand out as one of basketball’s most complete players. On Wednesday night, the Denver Nuggets center delivered another historic performance, scoring 55 points with 12 rebounds and six assists in a 130–116 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers — a feat that moved him past Shaquille O’Neal on the all-time list for 50-point games by a center.

The Serbian superstar shot an astonishing 18-for-23 from the field and 5-for-6 from three-point range, putting on a clinic of efficiency and control. His performance came just one night after he went 16-for-19 against the Sacramento Kings, underscoring his dominant stretch.

NBA Community in Awe of Jokic’s Brilliance

The basketball world erupted in admiration following Jokic’s latest masterpiece. Former NBA player and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins called the performance “a gift to the game,” while Jamal Crawford echoed the sentiment, marveling at how Jokic makes the extraordinary look effortless.

Despite the Nuggets losing Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun to injuries in the first half and Jamal Murray struggling with his shot (5-for-16), Jokic carried the team seamlessly, putting the game out of reach by the third quarter.

Unstoppable Efficiency and Statistical Dominance

Through the Nuggets’ 9–2 start to the season, Jokic is averaging 28.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, 10.9 assists, and 1.8 steals, while shooting 68.4% from the field, 41.7% from three, and 85.9% from the free-throw line — all career highs.

The 55-point outburst marked Jokic’s fourth career 50+ point game, pushing him ahead of Shaquille O’Neal and leaving him behind only Wilt Chamberlain in that category among centers. Even more remarkable, he became the first player in NBA history to average a 35-point triple-double while shooting 60% or better over a six-game span.

According to advanced metrics, his 91.5% true shooting percentage ranks as the third-most efficient 55+ point game ever, trailing only Stephen Curry and James Harden.

Clippers Caught Off Guard by Jokic’s Scoring Explosion

After the game, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue admitted that his team had planned to limit Jokic’s passing options to neutralize Denver’s ball movement — but the strategy backfired. “We wanted to take away his playmaking,” Lue said. “We just didn’t expect him to score like that.”

The Evolving Legacy of Nikola Jokic

Jokic’s latest performance adds fuel to an already heated debate about his standing among the game’s greatest centers. Analysts and former players have begun mentioning his name alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Bill Russell, Shaquille O’Neal, and Wilt Chamberlain.

“Jokic is rewriting what it means to be a dominant big man,” Perkins said. “He’s the ultimate hybrid of power, skill, and IQ.”

As Denver seeks to defend its 2023 NBA Championship, Jokic’s all-around brilliance continues to anchor their success. With performances like this, it’s hard to argue against his growing claim to a place among the all-time greats — and perhaps a second Larry O’Brien Trophy by season’s end.