### Nikola Jokic Makes History: Surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as All-Time Assists Leader for Centers On December 18, 2025, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets achieved a historic milestone by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the all-time leader in assists for centers in NBA history. This remarkable feat occurred during a game against the Orlando Magic, where Jokic recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, leading the Nuggets to a 126-115 victory. Jokic's achievement not only highlights his exceptional playmaking ability but also cements his legacy as one of the greatest passing big men in the history of the league. *This record was previously held by Abdul-Jabbar, who had 5,660 assists over his illustrious career* [https://thesportsdaily.org/news/nikola-jokic-breaks-kareem-abdul-jabbars-assists-record]. ### Breakdown of Jokic's Historic Achievement 1. **Record-Breaking Performance** - Jokic surpassed Abdul-Jabbar's record with his seventh assist of the game, bringing his total to 5,667 assists, which is now the highest for any center in NBA history [https://www.denverpost.com/2025/12/18/nba-all-time-assists-leaders-nikola-jokic-centers-kareem-abdul-jabbar]. 2. **Game Highlights** - The Nuggets were without key players but still managed to secure a win, thanks in part to Jamal Murray's 32 points and Jokic's triple-double performance [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nikola_jokic_becomes_assist_king_among_centers_as_nuggets_top_magic/s1_17045_43224614]. 3. **Legacy and Impact** - Jokic's achievement is seen as a significant step in his career, further solidifying his status as one of the best centers in NBA history. His unique skill set has redefined the role of a center in modern basketball [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/denver-nuggets/news/nuggets-nikola-jokic-most-hilarious-answer-breaking-kareem-abdul-jabbar-nba-record/d81a638023b2675e35408425]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Jokic's Career Stats**: - Total Assists: **5,667** (as of December 18, 2025) - Previous Record Holder: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with **5,660** assists - Jokic achieved this in **789 fewer games** than Abdul-Jabbar [https://heavy.com/sports/nba/denver-nuggets/nikola-jokic-all-time-assists-record]. - **Game Performance**: - Points: **23** - Assists: **13** - Rebounds: **11** - Jamal Murray's Contribution: **32 points** [https://apnews.com/article/magic-nuggets-score-87a9311aacc9edab09c93f95790dcd7f]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for Centers in the NBA **Nikola Jokic's record-breaking achievement marks a pivotal moment in NBA history, showcasing the evolution of the center position.** 1. **Historic Milestone**: Jokic surpasses Abdul-Jabbar, setting a new standard for centers in assists. 2. **Team Success**: Despite missing key players, the Nuggets continue to perform well, highlighting the depth of their roster. 3. **Legacy Reinforcement**: Jokic's unique skill set and playmaking ability redefine the expectations for centers in the league. This achievement not only enhances Jokic's legacy but also influences how future generations of players will approach the center position in basketball [https://www.si.com/nba/nikola-jokic-nba-center-assist-record].