The Denver Nuggets had eight players listed as out on their injury report for Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
But they still had Jalen Pickett, and on this night, that's all they needed.
Pickett put together the best game of his NBA career, by far, in a stunning overtime win over the 'Sixers.
His final line:
- 29 points
- 5 rebounds
- 7 assists
- 7 3-pointers
He added this absurd stepback 3-pointer in Joel Embiid's face, too:
CAREER-HIGH 22 PTS.
— NBA (@NBA) January 6, 2026
CAREER-HIGH 6 3PM.
WILD STEPBACK.
Jalen Pickett going OFF on Peacock! Pic.twitter.com/bxi2cCUEgB
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If you're here right about now wondering who Pickett is, you aren't alone. He took the NBA world by storm with this performance.
But there are plenty who were there along Pickett's journey who recognized his greatness long ago.
He played his high school ball at The Aquinas Institute in Rochester, New York. There, he was often said to have an "old man game," deliberate and patient yet wildly effective. He led the 'Lil Irish to a state title.
His middling size and perceived lack of athleticism only landed Pickett at low-major Siena University, where he was immediately the best player in the MAAC.
That earned him a transfer to Penn State, where he was again a star.
And now Pickett has scratched and clawed his way to NBA chances. They've come sparingly, but he generally plays well when on the court.
On this night, he had no choice. Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson and Tim Hardaway Jr. Were among the absences.
Pickett knew from the opening tip that he'd have to put Denver on his back.
And those shoulders that have lifted teams at every level higher than anyone expected out of Pickett did it again, this time in the NBA.
It's a night he, and all those who believed in him, will never forget.
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