Nikola Jokic passes NBA legend John Stockton after Denver’s loss to Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2

On Wednesday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their offensive firepower with a dominant 149-106 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Nevertheless, Nikola Jokic still managed to break a record held by NBA icon John Stockton.

Given the lopsided scoreline through the first three quarters, Nikola was rested to prioritize upcoming games. As a result, he played just 32 minutes at Paycom Center, finishing with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.

That effort allowed Jokic to climb to 49th on the NBA’s all-time playoff scoring list, with a total of 2,440 points—surpassing Stockton, who scored 2,436 playoff points with the Utah Jazz between 1984 and 2003. Jokic’s next target is Los Angeles Lakers icon Byron Scott, who sits at 2,451 points.

The Serbian center has reached these numbers over 10 seasons with the Denver Nuggets. Notably, the team didn’t make the postseason in his first three years, only qualifying in his fourth NBA campaign—and they’ve done so consistently for the past seven seasons.

Utah Jazz legend John Stockton

Jokic is closing in on the top ten among active players

While rising in the all-time playoff rankings, Nikola Jokic also solidifies his position as the 12th-leading scorer in the NBA Playoffs among active players. Closest to him is Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, who currently ranks 47th with 2,523 points.

see also

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic addresses Oklahoma City’s dominant performance in blowout loss in Game 2

At the top, of course, is LeBron James with 8,289. Rounding out the active top ten are Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Jayson Tatum, and Jimmy Butler.

Additionally, Jokic climbed to 52nd on the all-time playoff rebounding list thanks to the 8 rebounds he grabbed in the loss to the Thunder. He had been tied with A.C. Green at 1,084 and now moves past the former Los Angeles Lakers forward, as well as former Indiana Pacers player Dale Davis.

Jokic’s performance vs the Thunder

Although he reached new milestones during the game against OKC, Nikola Jokic was far from his best. Part of the Serbian center’s struggle came from the Thunder’s defensive strategy, which limited his freedom on the court.

However, Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon voiced frustration with the referees’ treatment of Jokic. “If they’re going to let ’em push him, shove him, put two hands on him, root him out, use the knee, elbows—all types of stuff they’re doing to him—that’s not necessarily legal,” the forward told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “Jok’s got to play through it. If they’re not going to call it, they’re not going to call it. But they’re fouling the guy.”