Nikola Jokic’s 60+ Foot Buzzer-Beaters: Redefining Greatness from Downtown

Introduction

In the fast-paced, highlight-driven world of the NBA, buzzer-beaters from beyond half-court are typically filed under “lucky shots.” But when Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP and arguably the most skilled center in basketball history, hits not one but two such shots in a single season — we have to ask: is it still luck?

During the 2024–2025 NBA season, Jokic nailed two buzzer-beaters from over 60 feet — one against the Utah Jazz and another against the Sacramento Kings. These feats not only amazed fans but also carved Jokic’s name into the record books alongside Stephen Curry, a feat almost unthinkable for a center.

March 28, 2025 – 62-Foot Heave Against the Jazz

In a game against the Utah Jazz on March 28, Jokic caught the ball near the Nuggets' three-point line as the second quarter wound down. With time for one motion, he released a one-handed, 62-foot arcing shot that banked in as the halftime buzzer rang.

The shot was met with roars from the Denver crowd and replays played in loops across sports media. It wasn’t just the distance — it was the ease with which Jokic released the ball. The Nuggets would go on to win the game decisively, 129–93.

Game Snapshot

• Opponent: Utah Jazz

• Final Score: Nuggets 129, Jazz 93

• Shot Distance: 62 feet

• Method: One-handed, off-balance

• Time: End of 2nd quarter

January 23, 2025 – 66-Footer vs. the Kings

Earlier in the same season, Jokic stunned viewers once again with an even longer shot — this time from 66 feet out. It came in a game against the Sacramento Kings, where a chaotic sequence left him with no choice but to launch a desperation shot from beyond three-quarters court. It swished cleanly through the net.

This first buzzer-beater alone would have earned a place in the season’s top plays. Combined with the March 28 heave, it became a landmark accomplishment.

Joining Elite Company: Stephen Curry

The only player in NBA history to hit two buzzer-beaters from at least 60 feet in a season prior to Jokic was Stephen Curry — the league’s all-time leader in three-pointers and a generational shooter.

To see a center match Curry in such a rare statistical category is a testament to Jokic’s unique game. He’s a floor general in a seven-footer’s body — a player capable of threading passes, hitting fadeaways, and now, launching missiles from 60+ feet with shocking accuracy.

Anatomy of a Jokic Miracle Shot

Jokic’s buzzer-beaters weren’t just lucky throws. They revealed a range of elite skills:

• One-Handed Mechanics: Both shots came off Jokic’s dominant hand, released with a natural shooting motion rather than a wild fling.

• Calm Under Pressure: In both cases, Jokic showed zero panic, getting the ball off cleanly with fluid footwork.

• Perfect Arc and Touch: His shots weren’t just long — they had ideal trajectory, spinning softly and hitting glass or net directly.

• Timing Mastery: Jokic released both shots just before the buzzer, showing awareness of the game clock.

What This Means for Jokic’s Legacy

Already a multiple-time MVP, NBA champion, and arguably the greatest passing big man of all time, Jokic is now adding a reputation for deep-range magic to his resume. These buzzer-beaters may not decide games, but they cement his image as one of the most versatile and unpredictable forces in basketball.

Where most centers dominate the paint, Jokic is redefining what a modern big can be: part point guard, part scorer, part showman.

Media and Fan Reaction

The basketball world erupted after each shot. Outlets like The US Sun, TSN, talkSPORT, and Sports Illustrated gave headline coverage. Social media exploded with memes, reactions, and comparisons to other legendary moments.

Even NBA veterans and analysts on TNT and ESPN weighed in, marveling at Jokic’s composure and creativity.

Final Thoughts

Nikola Jokic is not just an elite player — he is a magician with the basketball, someone who continues to surprise, delight, and dominate in ways we’ve never seen from his position. With these two 60+ foot shots, he hasn’t just rewritten the highlight reels — he’s rewritten expectations of what greatness looks like in the NBA.