When NBA fans think of Nikola Jokic, the first things that come to mind are his magical passing, his ability to control the game like a point guard despite being a 7-footer, and his dominance in the post. But there is one part of his game that often goes underappreciated — his scoring efficiency.
Yes, Jokic is not known as the flashiest shooter. He doesn’t take logo threes like Stephen Curry, nor does he fire away from deep at the same volume as today’s best guards. Yet, when you dive into the advanced stats, a shocking reality emerges: Nikola Jokic owns a shooting efficiency record that even Curry can’t match.
And it’s not just a random stat. It’s a number that tells the full truth about how a player scores — a number that makes Jokic the most efficient scorer in the NBA.
The Power of True Shooting Percentage
The statistic that tilts the balance toward Nikola Jokic is True Shooting Percentage (TS%). Unlike traditional field goal percentage, which only considers makes and misses from the floor, true shooting percentage factors in three-pointers and free throws as well.
This makes it a much more complete measure of how efficiently a player scores, especially in today’s NBA, where threes and free throws play such a big role in total production.
According to the numbers, Jokic currently boasts a career true shooting percentage of 63.8%, which actually edges out Stephen Curry’s 62.5%. At first glance, this may not seem like a huge difference. But when you consider who Curry is — the greatest three-point shooter in basketball history — the fact that Jokic surpasses him in any shooting metric is jaw-dropping.
Jokic Surpassing the Greatest Shooter Ever
The debate over who the best shooter of all time is has long been settled. It’s Stephen Curry, and it’s not even close. He has redefined what’s possible from beyond the arc, and he has completely transformed the way teams approach spacing and offense.
But here’s the catch. While Curry has volume, range, and highlight-reel shots, Nikola Jokic quietly leads in efficiency.
The Serbian superstar doesn’t take as many threes as Curry — averaging around 4.7 attempts per game compared to Curry’s 11-plus — but he makes up for it by being deadly in nearly every area of the court. Around the rim, Jokic is nearly automatic. From mid-range, he has a feathery soft touch. Even from three, defenders cannot sag off of him.
This complete arsenal is why Jokic’s true shooting percentage is unmatched among stars who average 20 or more points per game.
Why It’s Harder for Guards Than Centers
It’s important to understand context when analyzing true shooting percentage. Centers, especially skilled ones like Jokic, often score closer to the basket, which naturally inflates efficiency numbers.
Jokic gets a steady diet of post-ups, tip-ins, floaters, and layups that tend to be higher percentage looks. He’s also excellent at drawing fouls and knocking down free throws, which add to his efficiency.
On the other hand, Stephen Curry has built his reputation by taking shots that would be considered bad looks for anyone else. He routinely launches from 28 to 30 feet, off the dribble, with defenders draped all over him. These shots are inherently lower percentage, yet Curry still maintains a TS% that nearly matches Jokic’s.
So yes, it’s impressive that Jokic has the higher number. But the fact that Curry, a perimeter guard who lives off difficult threes, is even close is perhaps the bigger miracle.
Jokic’s Efficiency Is Still Historic
Even with that context, it doesn’t take away from what Nikola Jokic has achieved. His scoring efficiency is not only higher than Curry’s — it’s higher than nearly every other star in the modern game.
To average over 20 points per game while maintaining that type of true shooting percentage is extraordinary. It means that Jokic isn’t just a big man who gets easy dunks; he’s a versatile scorer who maximizes every possession.
When you combine that with his elite passing vision, it becomes clear why Jokic has won multiple MVP awards and why he already has a Finals MVP under his belt. His efficiency allows the Denver Nuggets to thrive in half-court settings where every possession matters, especially in the playoffs.
Curry as the Perfect Counterpart in the Conversation
The reason Jokic’s number is so shocking is not only because it’s historically great, but because the player he edges out is Stephen Curry. When fans hear that someone has beaten Curry in a shooting stat, it immediately raises eyebrows.
Curry’s entire legacy is built on shooting greatness. He holds the all-time record for three-pointers made, he’s a two-time MVP, and he has four championships with the Golden State Warriors largely because of his offensive firepower.
And yet, Nikola Jokic has the one number that Curry cannot claim. That doesn’t diminish Curry — in fact, it highlights how unbelievable it is that Curry has nearly matched a center’s efficiency while taking far more difficult shots.
But for Jokic, it cements him as not just a passing genius, not just a rebounding machine, but also a scoring savant.
The Legacy Impact for Jokic
This shooting efficiency mark is not just a quirky statistic. It’s part of Jokic’s growing legacy as one of the most unique and dominant players the NBA has ever seen.
Most centers who post high efficiency numbers do so because they are lob finishers or rim protectors who score on dunks and put-backs. Jokic is different. He creates his own shots, he stretches the floor, he thrives in isolation, and he makes tough contested jumpers look easy.
His true shooting percentage is a reflection of his basketball IQ and his ability to maximize scoring opportunities without wasting possessions. For the Nuggets, that’s invaluable.
And for the league, it’s a sign that the best player in basketball today may very well be a 7-foot Serbian who plays the game at his own pace.
Curry vs Jokic: The Bigger Picture
So, who really wins in this statistical battle? On paper, Nikola Jokic holds the edge with the higher true shooting percentage. But the reality is more nuanced.
It’s impressive for Jokic because it proves his dominance as a scorer goes beyond passing highlights and post-play footwork. It shows that he’s historically efficient in ways even the greatest shooter alive can’t top.
At the same time, it’s equally incredible for Stephen Curry that he comes so close despite living on a steady diet of deep, contested threes. His efficiency against those odds may be the most underrated part of his career.
The truth is that this stat doesn’t diminish either player. Instead, it elevates them both. Jokic looks even more dangerous, while Curry looks even more legendary.
The Final Word on Jokic’s Shooting Edge
At the end of the day, the headline is simple: Nikola Jokic has a higher true shooting percentage than Stephen Curry.
It may sound shocking, but it’s the truth. And it’s a reminder that Jokic isn’t just a great passer, rebounder, or team leader — he’s also the most efficient scorer in the NBA today.
The number proves it, and the eye test confirms it. When Jokic steps on the court, he’s not just competing with his peers; he’s rewriting what’s possible for a modern NBA center.
And if you’re surprised that he has edged out Stephen Curry in a shooting stat, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why Jokic’s greatness deserves more recognition.
