When it comes to availability, Nikola Jokic typically doesn’t have any issues.
The multi-time MVP played in at least 70 games in each of his first seven NBA seasons. The first time he didn’t cross that mark–he missed it by one game during the 2021-2022 NBA season.
Over the next two seasons, Jokic played in 79 games and 70 games. When he got to Denver’s December 29 game during the 2025-2026 season, Jokic suffered a knee injury that gave him a rare scare.
He ended up missing more time than ever. From December 31 through January 29, Jokic was sidelined. He was absent for 16 games.
When Jokic evaluates his season and where he’s at in late March, the star center can’t help but feel like the setbacks forced his performance as a whole to be inconsistent.
Nikola Jokic Evaluates His 2025-2026 NBA Season
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a foul during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“I think for me, it was a little bit inconsistent just because of the injury,” Jokic told reporters, following the Nuggets’ recent win over the Dallas Mavericks.
“The first time I was coming back from injury. So, you know, the turnovers and good games is going to happen, bad games, bad missed shots is going to happen. It was just something new for me, and I will say I’m consistent.”
Since Jokic returned to the court for the Nuggets in late January, he hasn’t missed any action.
The star center has been shooting 52.7% from the field and 30.8% from three, averaging 25.6 points per game.
Jokic is also coming down with 13.6 rebounds per game, while dishing out 10.7 assists per game. By his own standards, Jokic might be slightly underperforming, but that’s only in comparison to the elite tier he was at before the injury.
“I think before the injury, I played really, really high-level basketball,” Jokic added. “And then, since the injury, it’s so-so.”
Jokic Is Still Gaining MVP Support
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball under pressure from Royce O’Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
For the second season in a row, Jokic was believed to be in a two-player race for the MVP award, alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Lately, the Nuggets center has seen some changes in where he stands, while Gilgeous-Alexander remains the favorite with April around the corner.
According to NBA.com’s latest MVP ladder, Jokic stands third, behind SGA and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
MVP discussion aside, Jokic is still having a strong year.
In 58 games, the Nuggets’ center is posting averages of 27.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists. He’s shooting 57.0% from the field and 38.0% from three.
The Nuggets will be back on the court with Jokic on Friday, March 27, to face the Utah Jazz at 9 PM ET.
Nikola Jokic Gets Honest on Rare Season Before Nuggets-Jazz