Nikola Jokić misses shots from almost the entire court on his way to entering the elite company with a dominant triple-double
Nikola Jokic is well on his way to winning his fourth MVP in five seasons, and performances like Thursday night’s are the reason why.
The Serbian superstar delivered perhaps his most impressive game ever, and one of the best in NBA history, en route to his Denver Nuggets‘ 132-123 win over the Sacramento Kings.
Jokic dropped 35 points, grabbed 22 rebounds and dished out 17 assists in the contest, good for his 20th triple-double of the season; the next closest is LeBron James with nine, so he’s literally raining down the court.
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts after the victory over the Sacramento Kings at the Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
With the performance, Jokic became just the second person in NBA history to drop 35 or more points, grab 20 or more rebounds and dish out at least 15 assists in a game. Other? Wilt Chamberlain, who did it back on February 14, 1962, when he posted 35-24-15.
But putting out the dominant numbers has come down to something that has to be seen to be believed.
As the seconds ticked down in the third quarter, and the Nuggets were up a lot, Jokic decided to take a shot at the opposite end of the court. Well, when you’re hot, you’re hot.
It’s now five consecutive triple-double performances for Jokic, who has career averages of 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds (second highest) and 10.1 assists, also career highs. But it seemed that the shot won the arena – except for Jokić, of course.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts with forward Aaron Gordon (32) after a full court layup in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
“I thought he had a chance, and then boom,” said teammate Russell Westbrook, who, ironically, is the last player to average a triple-double in a season. “The best part about it is that there was no reaction from him. Which I love.”
Added head coach Michael Malone, “It’s not surprising. He’s a guy who has that uncanny ability.”
“When you play, you want to hit every shot,” said Jokic. “I took it to score it and I did it. It’s a lucky shot, not a very high percentage, but I took it to score it. It’s three points. That will help us.”
Only Oscar Robertson and Westbrook have averaged a triple-double of 30 points in NBA history, but Jokic could very well join their company.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) talks to Altitude sports reporter Katy Winge after the win over the Sacramento Kings at the Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
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I think this is the best basketball I’ve ever played, said Jokić. “I feel good out there, I’m in shape, the ball is going in. I think I’m playing really well.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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