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

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

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

Jokić 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 in Denver, Colo., Dec. 18, 2025. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo)

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

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

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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 in Denver, Colo., Dec. 18, 2025. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo)

Jokić'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