Everyone is used to the insane numbers that Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic puts up on a nightly basis by now. Still, every so often, the three-time MVP puts together a performance that reminds you just how absurd his level of play truly is.

We got one of those performances on Thursday night, as Jokic tallied 36 points on an absurd 14-of-16 shooting without playing a minute in the fourth quarter. Not to mention, Jokic grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out eight assists in the Nuggets’ decisive 136-105 win over the Sacramento Kings.

Following the game, Jokic explained what was going right for Denver on offense, noting the team’s effort was “professional”.

“I think we took it like we were really professional,” Jokic said. “We played the right way from the beginning.  We didn't have any stupid mistakes, stupid tries, or turnovers. I think we had a really professional game tonight.”

Jokic’s performance also led the Nuggets to their 11th consecutive win on the road, which pushes their best start in franchise history to an 18-6 mark through their first 23 games. 

“I would rather have 11 consecutive home wins, but it seems like we like to play on the road,” Jokic said. “I don't know.  We just need to do the same thing (back home). Don't have stupid mistakes, no turnovers, play the right way, and be professional.”

Jokic and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are already locked in a tight back-and-forth in the early MVP conversation, and all indications are that the race will come down to the wire just as much as it did last season. As such, performances like Jokic’s statement game on Thursday night could certainly help his case.

Now, why would leaving the game in the third quarter help Jokic when he could have added to his numbers for an even gaudier total? Because Gilgeous-Alexander is putting up his numbers without playing in the fourth quarter in a significant number of Oklahoma City’s wins and that realization has only seemed to help his standing among the media members who vote for MVP.

Jokic and the Nuggets will get a few days off before attempting to carry their road success back to Denver. They’ll be taking on the Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. MST on Monday in a game that’s streaming live for a national audience on Peacock. Despite winning their last 12 games on the road, the Nuggets have lost their last four at home.