‘WHAT ON EARTH,’ ‘Greatest Pass I’ve Ever Seen’ — NBA World in Awe As Nikola Jokić Drops ‘ABSURD’ No-Look, Behind-the-Back Dime vs. Jazz

Tristan Rawcliffe Mon, October 5, 2026 at 7:37 AM UTC

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'WHAT ON EARTH,' 'Greatest Pass I've Ever Seen' -- NBA World in Awe As Nikola Jokić Drops 'ABSURD' No-Look, Behind-the-Back Dime vs. Jazz

Nikola Jokić wasted no time reminding NBA fans of his dazzling passing chops during the Denver Nuggets’ preseason opener against the Utah Jazz.

Early in the tune-up contest, the three-time MVP dropped a no-look, crosscourt, behind-the-back dime to forward Cameron Johnson, leaving the NBA world raving.

Nikola Jokić’s Highlight Assist Wows NBA World

Following a disappointing 2026 first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver had a polarizing offseason, losing sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. in free agency before signing and trading one of its most promising young two-way players, Peyton Watson, to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While the Nuggets replenished their depth with aging six-time All-Star wing DeMar DeRozan and journeyman big Marvin Bagley III, Jokić will once again be tasked with carrying a heavy workload for the aspiring Western Conference contender.

As expected, the 31-year-old received limited run on Sunday as both sides went deep into their rotations with players battling for roster spots. Still, Jokić dished out 7 assists, including one that got the NBA community talking.

Midway through the first quarter, Jokić was guarded by Lauri Markkanen on the baseline and began posting up the Jazz star. Without hesitation, the 2023 NBA Finals MVP whipped the ball around his back and across the court to an open Johnson, who knocked down a corner triple.

The play promptly went viral on X, with Legion Hoops writing, “WHAT ON EARTH,” and Hoop Central dubbing the pass “ABSURD,” as more reactions came flooding in.

“Thankfully someone knows how to make the clips I do not. Ridiculous …,” NBA insider Marc Stein gushed.

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“We’re not even 24 hours into the NBA preseason, and Nikola Jokić has broken my brain. I just don’t even know how one does this,” NBA analyst Sam Vecenie added.

“This might actually be the greatest pass I’ve ever seen,” San Antonio Spurs fan page Spurs Culture declared.

“Watched this numerous times now … I don’t get how he passed the ball with that force, at that arm angle. And then the ball is perfectly in Cam Johnson’s shooting pocket … he doesn’t even have to adjust his hands. Insane,” another user marveled.

Jokić finished with 3 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 15 minutes, knocking down his lone field-goal attempt as Denver fell 109-97. While his final stat line was relatively inconsequential, Nuggets fans should be thrilled to see the big man looking so sharp in early October.

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At media day last week, Jokić shared that he believes the Nuggets “still have a capability and have opportunity to compete on a high level and to win a championship.”

Jokić and Co. will tip off their regular-season schedule on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 22.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

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Source: “AOL Sports”