Nikola Jokic He's on track to win his fourth MVP award in five seasons, and performances like Thursday night are why.
The Serbian superstar had perhaps his most impressive game ever, and one of the best in NBA history, on his way home. Denver NuggetsVictory over the Sacramento Kings 132-123.
Jokic dropped 35 points, grabbed 22 rebounds and dished out 17 assists per contest, good for a league-leading 20th triple-double of the season; The next closest is LeBron James with nine, so he quite literally laps the court.
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts after the win over the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. (Photos by Ron Chinoy-Imagine)
With this performance, Jokic became the second person in NBA history to score more than 35 points, grab 20 or more rebounds, and provide at least 15 assists in a game. The other? Wilt Chamberlain, who did it again on February 14, 1962, when he introduced 35-24-15.
But in bringing up the dominant numbers came something you have to see to believe.
With the seconds ticking down in the third quarter, and the Nuggets riding high, Jokic decided to punt the ball at the other end of the court. Well, when you're hot, you're hot.
It's now five straight triple-doubles for Jokic, who is averaging 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds (second-most) and 10.1 assists, also the most of his career. But it was the shot that seemed to take the arena by storm – except for Jokic, of course.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts alongside forward Aaron Gordon (32) after a full-court basket in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. (Photos by Ron Chinoy-Imagine)
“I thought there was an opportunity, and then boom,” said teammate Russell Westbrook, who ironically is the last player to average a triple-double in a single season. “The best part of it is that there's no reaction from him. Which I love.”
Added head coach Michael Malone: ”It's no surprise. He's a guy with such extraordinary ability.”
“When you're playing, you want to make every shot,” Jokic said. “I took it to make it and it actually worked. It's a lucky shot, not really a high-percentage shot, but I took it to make it. It's a three-pointer. It's going to help us.”
Only Oscar Robertson and Westbrook have averaged a 30-point triple-double in NBA history, but it's possible Jokic could join their company.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) was interviewed by Altitude sports reporter Katie Wing after the win over the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. (Photos by Ron Chinoy-Imagine)
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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 think I'm playing really well.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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