The best player of the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, is nearly always included on historical NBA rankings due to his incredible play. However, after yet another subpar shooting performance against the Houston Rockets, the reigning MVP of the Finals found himself on a negative list.

Shooting just 31.0% from the field over his last two games, Jokic joined George Mikan as the only other center in NBA history to shoot that poorly over a two-game stretch (minimum 55 field goal attempts):

Usually historically efficient, Jokic has been historically inefficient the last two games, shooting 9/32 against the LA Clippers before shooting 9/26 against the Rockets. It’s worth noting that the minimum 55 field goal attempts for this criteria does limit the qualifiers, since that’s a high volume of shots over a two-game stretch, but this stat does put into perspective just how uncharacteristically bad Jokic has been from the field the last two games.

Denver, CO – In an exclusive interview with NBA superstar Nikola Jokic, the Serbian center revealed what he considers to be the defining moment of his career, a decision that still weighs heavily on his mind even as he basks in the glory of his achievements.

In a candid conversation with ESPN, Jokic opened up about his most challenging moment on the court, a moment that left him questioning his abilities and his place in the league. The incident in question dates back to the early stages of his career, a time when Jokic was still finding his footing in the NBA.

“It was during my rookie season,” Jokic begins, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. “We were playing against the Golden State Warriors, and it was a crucial game for us. I remember the pressure was immense, and I was determined to make an impact.”

As the tension mounted and the clock ticked down, Jokic found himself with the ball in his hands during a critical possession. With the game hanging in the balance, he faced a split-second decision that would come to haunt him in the years to come.

“In that moment, I hesitated,” Jokic admits, his expression betraying a sense of disappointment. “I second-guessed myself, and instead of taking the shot, I passed the ball. It was a mistake, a moment of weakness that I’ve replayed in my mind countless times.”

The repercussions of that decision were immediate and profound. The Warriors seized the opportunity, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and leaving Jokic and his teammates stunned and defeated.

“It was devastating,” Jokic recalls, his gaze distant as he relives the memory. “To come so close and yet fall short because of my own indecision… it was a bitter pill to swallow.”

But it was not just the loss itself that left its mark on Jokic. It was the realization that he had let his team down, that his inability to rise to the occasion had cost them dearly.

“That moment taught me a valuable lesson,” Jokic reflects. “It taught me the importance of trust, both in myself and in my teammates. It taught me that in order to succeed, I need to have faith in my abilities and not shy away from the big moments.”

In the years since that fateful game, Jokic has transformed himself into one of the most dominant forces in the NBA, earning MVP honors and leading the Denver Nuggets to unprecedented success. But despite his achievements, the memory of that missed opportunity continues to linger, a constant reminder of the importance of seizing the moment.

“I can’t change the past,” Jokic acknowledges. “But I can learn from it and use it to fuel my drive for greatness. That’s what motivates me every time I step out onto the court – the desire to prove that I’m capable of delivering when it matters most.”

As he looks ahead to the future, Jokic remains determined to write a new chapter in his career, one defined not by missed opportunities, but by moments of triumph and redemption.

“I’ve come a long way since that game against the Warriors,” Jokic says with a steely resolve. “And I’m not done yet. There’s still plenty more to accomplish, and I’m ready to rise to the challenge.”

With his unwavering determination and unmatched skill, there’s no doubt that Nikola Jokic will continue to etch his name into the annals of NBA history, proving time and time again that even the greatest setbacks can be overcome with perseverance and resilience.