Nikola Jokic He’s trying to win his fourth MVP in five seasons, and performances like Thursday night’s are why.
The Serbian superstar is readying himself for the rest of his career after playing perhaps his most impressive game ever and one of the best in NBA history. denver nuggets‘132-123 win over the Sacramento Kings.
Jokic scored 35 points, 22 rebounds and 17 assists in this game, achieving the league-leading 20th triple-double of the season; the second closest was LeBron James with 9 points points, so he is indeed the leader.
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With this performance, Jokic became the second person in NBA history to score more than 35 points, grab more than 20 rebounds and provide at least 15 assists in a single game. another? Wilt Chamberlain did just that on February 14, 1962, when he shot 35-24-15.
But when it comes to leading data, you have to see it to believe it.
As the third quarter wound down and the Nuggets were on offense, Jokic decided to take a shot at the other end of the court. Well, when you’re hot, you’re hot.
Jokic has now recorded five consecutive triple-doubles, averaging a career-high 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds (second-highest) and 10.1 assists per game, which is also his career high. But the goal seemed to take the entire field by storm—except, of course, Jokic.
“I thought it had a chance and boom,” said teammate Russell Westbrook, ironically the last player to average a triple-double in a season. “The best thing is he didn’t react. I loved that.”
Head coach Michael Malone added, “It’s no surprise. He’s a guy with this incredible ability.”
“When you play, you want to make every shot,” Jokic said. “I made it, I did. It was a lucky shot, not really a high-percentage shot, but I made it. It was a three-pointer. That’s going to help us.”
Only Oscar Robertson and Westbrook have averaged a 30-point triple-double in NBA history, but Jokic is likely to join their company.
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“I think this is the best basketball I’ve ever played,” Jokic said. “I feel good out there, I’m in good shape, the ball is going in. I thought I played really well.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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