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Nuggets star Nikola Jokic surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most assists by a center in NBA history

by · Fox News

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Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic made history during the team’s 126-115 win over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night at Ball Arena.

Jokic, 30, surpassed Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most assists by a center in NBA history. Abdul-Jabaar had 5,660 career assists, and Jokic surpassed him when he passed to Jalen Pickett, who nailed the 3-pointer.

Jokic was outstanding in the Nuggets’ win, as the center recorded his 13th triple-double of the season, scoring 23 points with 13 assists and 11 rebounds. 

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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, right, looks to pass the ball under pressure from Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. in the first half of an NBA basketball game. The game took place in Denver, Colorado, on Dec. 18, 2025. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo)

The three-time MVP has been great for the Nuggets this season. In 26 games, Jokic has averaged a triple-double, scoring 29.6 points per game while hauling in 12.3 rebounds and dishing out 10.3 assists per game. 

The seven-time All-Star is already one of the best playmaking centers in the history of the sport. 

NETS HONOR AUSTRALIA HANUKKAH ATTACK VICTIMS, LIGHT MENORAH DURING GAME

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, left, looks to pass the ball as Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze, front right, and guard Noah Penda defend in the first half of an NBA basketball game. The game took place in Denver, Colorado, on Dec. 18, 2025. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo)

Jokic’s play is a large reason the Nuggets are 20-6 and second in the Western Conference, behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are 25-2. The Nuggets’ win over the Magic was their sixth consecutive win.

Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was also key in the team’s win, as he caught fire in the second quarter. Murray scored 20 of his 32 points in a game-turning second quarter for Denver, making 5 of 6 3-point attempts in the second quarter after the Nuggets fell behind by 14.

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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, front, drives to the basket as Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game. The game took place in Denver, Colorado, on Dec. 18, 2025. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo)

Murray, who has never been named to an All-Star team in his eight seasons, is averaging a career-best 25.2 points this season and 28.1 in December, which includes a 52-point game against the Indiana Pacers two weeks ago.

The Nuggets' next game is against the Houston Rockets (16-8) on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.