NBA Star Nikola Jokić Suffers Knee Injury, Limps off Court During Match With Miami Heats

Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets' three-time NBA MVP and reigning Finals MVP, scared fans when he limped off the court. It happened during Monday night's game against the Miami Heat. The 6'11" Serbian star dominated the first half with 21 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. But with just three seconds left before halftime, teammate Spencer Jones accidentally stepped on his left foot while defending. Jokić's knee buckled. 

He collapsed in pain, grabbed his knee, and hobbled to the locker room. Read ahead to know more about his injury. 

Nikola Jokić Knee Surgery Update

Nikola Jokic

Left knee injury

Best case scenario this is a bone bruise due to a hyper extension.

Worse case, but very possible, is that this is an ACL tear.

Hoping for the best 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/2ZF8T2bvuF

— Jesse Morse, M.D. (@DrJesseMorse) December 30, 2025

The injury has been described by Nuggets coach David Adelman as "gut-wrenching." Reports indicate that Jokić suffered a hyperextension of his left knee. When a knee hyperextends, it is pushed past its normal range of motion, which can strain or tear the ligaments that hold the joint together, such as the ACL or MCL.

Jokić was able to walk to the locker room under his own power, but he was quickly ruled out for the second half. The team is currently awaiting the results of an MRI scheduled for Tuesday in Toronto to determine the exact extent of the damage. Fans are hoping for a simple bone bruise or strain rather than a structural tear, which could sideline the MVP favourite for months.

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The Impact on the Denver Nuggets

Jokić’s absence was immediately felt as the Miami Heat went on to win the game 147-123. Denver is already grappling with a short bench, as starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun are also out with injuries.

Losing a player of Jokić's calibre, who was averaging a near triple-double this season, is a massive blow. He isn't just a scorer; he is the team's primary playmaker. Without him, the Nuggets will need to rely heavily on Jamal Murray and backup centre Jonas Valančiūnas to keep their playoff hopes alive.

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Conclusion

The injury to Nikola Jokić serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a season can change in the NBA. While the initial scenes in Miami were alarming, the fact that he walked off the floor provides a glimmer of hope for Nuggets fans. The upcoming medical tests will be the most significant update of the season for Denver, as the team waits to see if their leader can return for the championship push or if a long road to recovery lies ahead.