In a highly anticipated matchup between the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic showcased his basketball genius once again. The Celtics entered the game with an undefeated home record of 20-0, while the defending champion Nuggets aimed to prove their dominance despite not having one of the best records in the league.

Both teams displayed incredible skill and intensity from the very beginning, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. Ultimately, it was the Nuggets who emerged victorious, defeating the Celtics by a slim margin of 102-100 and handing Boston their first home loss of the season.

Jokic, alongside teammate Jamal Murray, delivered a remarkable performance, scoring a combined 69 points on an impressive 29-for-43 shooting from the floor. However, it was a particular play by Jokic that left fans in awe and continues to be a topic of conversation even after the game.

With just 17 seconds remaining and the Nuggets leading by two points, Denver's Aaron Gordon was at the free-throw line attempting his second shot. Jokic, known for his high basketball IQ, cleverly baited both Celtics players on the block into stepping into the paint before Gordon released the ball. This play highlighted Jokic's exceptional court vision and strategic thinking.

The referees, however, did not interpret the situation as a lane violation. Instead, they called a jump ball, claiming Jokic's toe had crossed the line. According to the lane violation rule, if an opponent commits a lane violation on a free throw attempt, the shot stands if made, but a re-do is granted if missed. If both teammates and opponents cross the line simultaneously, the shot does not count, and a jump ball is called.

In the ensuing jump ball, Kristaps Porzingis of the Celtics outmatched Jokic, allowing Boston to gain possession. Unfortunately for the Celtics, Jayson Tatum missed a fadeaway shot at the buzzer, securing the Nuggets' victory.

Despite not being rewarded for his brilliant maneuver, Jokic's impact on the game was undeniable. In fact, with the win over the Celtics, Jokic surpassed Michael Jordan for the highest career Player Efficiency Rating (PER) in NBA history, further solidifying his position as one of the game's greatest players.

Fans and sports analysts alike were quick to praise Jokic's basketball IQ, with many commending his ability to deceive opponents and create advantageous situations. It wasn't the first time Jokic had pulled off such a move, as Denver media attested to Jokic's frequent success in baiting opponents into lane violations, often unnoticed by the officials.

As the season progresses, the Nuggets' victory over the Celtics raises speculation of a potential clash between the two teams in the NBA Finals. Whether this scenario becomes a reality, Nikola Jokic's basketball genius will undoubtedly remain a topic of fascination and admiration among fans and fellow players alike.