Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Passes Lakers Legend on NBA History List

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DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Chicago Bulls in the second quarter at Ball Arena on October 14, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic quietly made an important career milestone on Wednesday, March 18.

Heading into the Nuggets’ matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, Jokic needed just a few more points to surpass Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

As expected, it didn’t take long before he got it. Jokic is now No. 90 in NBA history in all-time scoring with 17,734 points.

Nikola Jokic Passes Lakers Legend On NBA History List

GettyNikola Jokic passed the Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson on the NBA’s all-time scoring list during a loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

With Johnson in the rearview, Jokic is eyeing No. 89, Bailey Howell.

The former two-time NBA Champion finished his career with 17,770 points. Lenny Wilkens is right in front of him with 17,772 points. That should be a mark that Jokic can pass by next week.

This season, Jokic continues to be one of the most dynamic scoring centers in the game. The 30-year-old big man has appeared in 54 games.

Jokic is shooting 57% from the field and knocking down threes at a 38% clip. He is averaging 28.2 points per game.

Beyond his scoring, Jokic is leading in the league in rebounds for the first time, averaging 12.6 rebounds per game. He is also the leader in assists, with 10.5 assists per game. He was an All-Star once again, and continues to be in the conversation for MVP.

Jokic’s MVP status will remain in play as long as he doesn’t miss further playing time, after going out with a knee injury earlier this season.

Denver Nuggets Fall To The Memphis Grizzlies

GettyNikola Jokic is one of the top centers in the NBA, playing for the Denver Nuggets.

History move aside, Wednesday’s performance by Jokic was spoiled by the Grizzlies.

The veteran center trotted out on the court for 39 minutes of action. He shot 11-19 from the field, making 2-4 shots from three, and going 5-8 from the free-throw line.

Jokic finished the game with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. Defensively, he had three blocks and one steal.

Despite the impressive numbers, Jokic struggled with turnovers, coughing the ball up for a game-high 10 turnovers on Wednesday. He had just as many as Memphis’s entire team.

The Grizzlies managed to take down the Nuggets 125-118.

Denver now holds a 42-28 record on the year. They sit sixth in the Western Conference, just behind the Houston Rockets. There is a 2.5-game cushion between the Nuggets and the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns, who are attempting to crack the playoffs without going through the Play-In Tournament.

After Wednesday’s unfortunate loss, the Nuggets are going to rest up on Thursday. They will take the court once again on Friday night to face the Toronto Raptors at home. The Nuggets will then close the week out with a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, March 22.

Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso