Nikola Jokic’s 60+ Foot Buzzer-Beaters: A Masterclass in Long-Range Brilliance

 Introduction

In the world of professional basketball, full-court or near full-court shots are often moments of luck or desperation. But when Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets' cerebral and supremely skilled center, makes not one but two such shots in a single season — each over 60 feet — the narrative changes from fluke to phenomenon. Jokic has long been known for his unique blend of passing vision, soft touch, and on-court intelligence. But his recent feats against the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings in the 2024–2025 season added a new chapter to his legendary career — a chapter written in arcs from beyond half-court.

 March 28, 2025 — Jokic’s 62-Foot Buzzer-Beater vs. Utah Jazz

At Ball Arena, with time expiring in the first half, Jokic gathered the ball and, with one hand and a defender nearby, launched a high-arcing prayer from 62 feet. The ball banked off the glass and dropped through the net just as the buzzer sounded.

This shot electrified the crowd and commentators alike. It wasn’t just the distance — it was the fluidity, form, and accuracy that stunned everyone. There was no hesitation, no dramatic wind-up. Just Jokic doing what Jokic does — making the game look effortless.

 Game Context

• Final Score: Denver Nuggets 129 – Utah Jazz 93

• Margin: 36-point blowout

• Impact: Denver had full control of the game, and Jokic’s shot was symbolic of that dominance.

 Stats Snapshot

• Jokic finished the game with a triple-double, as usual.

• The shot capped a stellar first half for both him and the Nuggets.

 January 23, 2025 — 66-Foot Shot vs. Sacramento Kings

Earlier in the same season, Jokic pulled off an equally jaw-dropping feat. Against the Kings, with less than a second on the clock and the inbound pass going nowhere, Jokic took possession near his own free-throw line and launched the ball from 66 feet — swishing it cleanly as the buzzer rang.

This was his first 60+ foot shot of the season and would have already earned him a spot on season highlight reels. But it ended up being only half the story.

 Historical Context: Jokic Joins Stephen Curry in NBA History

Only Stephen Curry, widely considered the greatest shooter in NBA history, had achieved two 60+ foot buzzer-beaters in a single season before. Jokic now joins that exclusive club, and he does it from the center position — a role traditionally known for rebounds and inside scoring, not deep heaves from downtown Denver.

? Comparing with Curry

Unlike Curry, Jokic doesn't specialize in long-range shooting. But his ability to read the court, combined with elite hand-eye coordination, enables moments of magic from improbable distances.

Why Jokic's Shots Matter Beyond the Highlight Reel

While these long-range bombs don’t decide most games, they underscore several aspects of Jokic’s greatness:

1. Court Awareness

Both shots were timed perfectly and came with zero setup. Jokic understands not just the clock but also where he is and how to balance his body under duress.

2. One-Handed Control

These were not two-handed shots or throwaways. Both were executed one-handed — a hallmark of his fluid touch and soft release, often seen in his post play and passes.

3. Soft Touch and Arc

Jokic's deep shots were not just flings. They had perfect arc and spin, suggesting incredible touch and shooting mechanics even from 60+ feet.

4. No Panic

Many players rush or hurl the ball under pressure. Jokic stays calm, gathers, and delivers — a reflection of his cerebral playing style.

 Fan and Media Reaction

The buzz surrounding these shots was immediate:

• TSN, SI, The US Sun, and talkSPORT covered the feat with glowing praise.

• On social media, NBA Twitter erupted with awe, some joking that Jokic was now the best “logo shooter” in the league.

• Analysts emphasized how these weren’t fluke shots, but an extension of Jokic’s feel for the game.

Even seasoned pros like Curry and Damian Lillard took notice, as did ESPN and TNT’s Inside the NBA crew, where Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley joked that Jokic might as well shoot from the locker room next.

Legacy Implications

Jokic is already a two-time MVP, a Finals MVP, and the anchor of a championship team. These shots, while not decisive in terms of game outcomes, add to his mythology. They show the unpredictable, magical side of his game — where IQ meets improvisation and fundamentals meet flair.

In a league increasingly focused on guard play and perimeter shooting, Jokic continues to redefine what a big man can do.

 Final Takeaway

Jokic’s two buzzer-beaters from beyond 60 feet are more than wild highlights — they are testaments to his feel for the game, his creativity, and his all-time great skillset. Whether it’s threading a no-look pass or banking in a 62-footer with one hand, Jokic is basketball’s Picasso — crafting masterpieces when you least expect them.