Nikola Jokic Sets Assist Record as Jalen Pickett Shines in Nuggets’ Victory
The Denver Nuggets captured a thrilling home win against the Orlando Magic, and all eyes were understandably on Nikola Jokic. The superstar center not only recorded another impressive triple-double with a stat line of 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists, but he also etched his name in the record books by becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in assists for a center.
Yet, while Jokic’s historic achievement took center stage, it was third-year guard Jalen Pickett who stole the spotlight for his remarkable performance. Nuggets head coach David Adelman was quick to praise Pickett, noting that his contribution was arguably the best of the season. “I thought that was Jalen’s best game of the year, probably his best game since Sacramento last year, just because he was the two versions of himself,” Adelman expressed after the game. “He made three threes, where he was spaced, and then he has seven assists on top of it. So he still playmaked as a point guard.”
Jalen Pickett Emerges as a Key Contributor
Pickett proved to be a pivotal spark off the bench, finishing the night with nine points and seven assists, along with a remarkable plus-minus of +17, the third-highest on the team, trailing only Jokic and Cameron Johnson. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc, combined with his strong playmaking skills, showcased the depth of Denver’s roster, particularly in light of the inconsistent minutes he has logged throughout the season.
Adelman also highlighted Pickett’s defensive contributions, emphasizing his readiness to impact the game on both ends of the floor. “I just thought he competed defensively too. Even though his rebound total was only three, he got his hands on a lot of balls because they were crashing everybody from all over the place,” the coach noted. “So, yeah, I’m really proud of Jalen. Ready to play, man. That’s all we’re gonna ask from these guys, and he was tonight.”
As the Nuggets continue to build momentum, the combination of Jokic’s historic play and Pickett’s emergence as a reliable contributor could be vital as they aim for success this season.
