Is Nikola Jokić Having the Greatest Playoff Run Ever? Topping Rebounds, Assists, Steals, and Stocks in 2025 While Sitting Second in Points!

When the NBA playoffs roll around each year, a few legendary performances tend to dominate the narrative—Michael Jordan’s 1993 Finals, LeBron James in 2016, Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 heroics. But in 2025, Nikola Jokić is crafting a postseason masterpiece that could very well be the greatest playoff run in NBA history.

He’s leading the playoffs in rebounds, assists, steals, and a combined stat known in fantasy basketball circles as “stocks” (steals + blocks), while ranking second in scoring. From his historic Game 1 against the Thunder to his series-defining triple-doubles against the Clippers, Jokić’s impact has been undeniable—and perhaps unrepeatable.

A Record-Breaking Start to the 2025 Playoffs

The 2025 postseason began with Nikola Jokić asserting dominance right out of the gate. In Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Serbian center exploded for 42 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. That stat line not only set the tone for Denver’s series but also cemented Jokić as the centerpiece of this year’s playoff narrative.

Looking back to the first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Jokić averaged a triple-double across seven games—24.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 10.1 assists. This made him the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double over the course of a full seven-game playoff series. His all-around brilliance against a rugged Clippers defense, including elite defenders like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, showcased his versatility, patience, and surgical offensive control.

Dominating in All Major Statistical Categories

What truly sets Jokić apart in these playoffs is how many statistical categories he leads. As of the second round:

• First in rebounds

• First in assists

• First in steals

• First in stocks (steals + blocks)

• Second in points

To top the charts in such a diverse range of metrics speaks volumes about Jokić’s complete control over the game. Most great playoff runs lean heavily into one statistical strength—Jordan with scoring, Magic with assists, Shaq with dominance in the paint. Jokić, on the other hand, is doing everything all at once.

Few players in NBA history have ever simultaneously led the playoffs in both assists and rebounds, let alone add steals and stocks into the mix. His performance is unprecedented for a center, and it’s redefining what the position means in the modern NBA.

Triple-Double Machine: Jokić the Statistical Anomaly

Nikola Jokić is already well known for his triple-double ability, but the 2025 playoffs are showcasing him in a new light. He’s averaging near triple-double numbers every night, and his efficiency remains sky-high. Through the Clippers series, he posted stat lines like:

• Game 4: 36 points, 21 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

• Game 5: 13 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks

• Game 6: 25 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 1 block

• Game 7: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 1 block

These aren’t just numbers—they’re historic outputs against playoff-caliber defenses, while shouldering the bulk of the offensive load. Jokić is doing all this while playing efficient, unselfish basketball, often facing double and triple-teams.

Making History Alongside Legends

Jokić’s Game 1 against the Thunder, where he dropped 42 points and pulled in 22 rebounds, placed him in a very exclusive club. Only Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have recorded 40+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a playoff game.

Moreover, through six playoff games, Jokić had amassed 152 points, 71 rebounds, and 63 assists—a statistical feat only Wilt Chamberlain matched back in 1967. Any time you’re being compared favorably to Wilt, you know you’re doing something historic.

Redefining the Center Position

What makes Jokić’s performance even more jaw-dropping is his position. He’s a center leading the playoffs in assists and steals—categories traditionally dominated by guards. His combination of court vision, timing, and basketball IQ makes him the most unique big man in NBA history.

He doesn’t dominate games with brute force or vertical explosion. He reads the floor like a chess grandmaster, punishing defensive schemes with creative passes and patient shot selection. When needed, he can flip the switch and become a volume scorer, as seen with his 42-point explosions.

“Stocks” Leader: Sneaky Defensive Impact

While the term “stocks” (steals + blocks) isn’t officially recognized by the NBA, it has become a popular measure in fantasy basketball and advanced analytics circles. Jokić leading in this area further underlines his surprisingly impactful defense.

Yes, he’s not a traditional rim protector like Rudy Gobert or Anthony Davis, and he isn’t known for flying through the air for highlight blocks. But Jokić’s quick hands, high IQ, and anticipation result in timely steals and opportunistic blocks. For example:

• 3 steals and 1 block in Game 6 vs. Clippers

• 1 steal and 2 blocks in Game 5

• 2 steals and 1 block in Game 4

Add it all together, and you’ve got a big man who can disrupt offenses without fouling, and that’s key for a playoff run where foul trouble can derail even the best teams.

An MVP Regular Season Set the Stage

Jokić’s dominance isn’t a postseason fluke—it’s a continuation of his stellar 2024–25 regular season. He posted career-high averages of 29.8 points, 10.2 assists, and led the league in rebounds, assists, and steals among centers.

Even more impressively, he became the first player in NBA history to finish top three in points, rebounds, assists, and steals in a season. That’s not just historic—that’s GOAT-level company.

With such momentum coming into the playoffs, it’s no surprise Jokić is peaking when it matters most.

Team Dependency and Fatigue: A Fair Concern

Of course, no player is perfect, and Jokić’s load raises some concerns. The Nuggets’ offense runs entirely through him, and that means every play, every possession depends on his decisions. If he gets fatigued—or worse, injured—it could collapse Denver’s postseason hopes.

Moreover, his defensive style, while clever, can be exploited by elite athletic big men like Anthony Davis or Giannis, who can overpower him in the paint. Jokić often avoids overcommitting on defense to stay out of foul trouble, which can leave the rim vulnerable.

Still, the fact that he’s leading the playoffs in steals and stocks shows that even with limitations, he’s finding ways to contribute meaningfully on defense.

Narrative vs. Numbers: Is This the Best Ever?

Statistically, Jokić’s 2025 playoff run is arguably the most complete in NBA history. He’s leading in every major category but scoring—and he’s still second there. He’s playing with unmatched consistency, putting up MVP-caliber numbers every night, and doing so in high-pressure games.

But does that make it the greatest playoff run ever?

That depends on how you define greatness. LeBron’s 2016 Finals had more iconic moments. Jordan’s 1993 Finals had more narrative weight. Dirk’s 2011 title was more of an underdog story.

Yet if we’re judging purely on individual dominance across multiple metrics, Jokić’s run might just take the crown. He’s doing things we’ve literally never seen before, and he’s doing them while playing the most team-centric, efficient basketball imaginable.

Conclusion: The Most Complete Playoff Performance Ever?

Whether or not Nikola Jokić’s 2025 playoff run ends in a championship, there’s no denying what we’re witnessing: a masterclass in basketball brilliance.

He’s redefining the center position, leading the league in everything that matters, and crafting a narrative that doesn’t rely on flash—but on substance, IQ, and unmatched skill.

If the Nuggets win the title, his 2025 run may well be remembered as the greatest individual postseason in NBA history.

And even if they fall short, Jokić has already done what few others can: he’s made basketball look effortless in the most pressure-packed moments of the year.