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Nikola Jokic is on track to win his fourth MVP in five seasons, and performances like Thursday night are the reason why that is the case.
The Serbian superstar put up perhaps his most impressive game ever, and one of the best in NBA history, en route to his Denver Nuggets‘132-123 Victors over Sacramento Kings.
Jokić 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 literally breaks the field.
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Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts after the win over the Sacramento Kings at the Ball Arena. (Photos by Ron Chenoy-Hagn)
With the performance, Jokic became just the second person in NBA history to drop 35-plus 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 there was something you had to believe in when setting the dominant numbers.
With the seconds winding down in the third quarter and the Nuggets up, 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 straight triple-doubles for Jokic, who is averaging a career-high 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds (his second-best) and 10.1 assists, also the most of his career. But the shot is what seemed to take the arena by storm – except for Jokić, except for Jokić.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts with forward Aaron Gordon (32) after a full court basket made in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. (Photos by Ron Chenoy-Hagn)
“I thought it 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 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 make every shot,” Jokic said. “I took it to make it and I made it. It’s a lucky shot, not a high percentage, but I took it to make it. It’s three points. That’s going to help us.”
Only Oscar Robertson and Westbrook averaged a triple-double of 30 points in NBA history, but Jokic could very well join their company.
Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic (15) is interviewed by Height Sports reporter Katy Winge after the win over the Sacramento Kings at the Ball Arena. (Photos by Ron Chenoy-Hagn)
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“I think this is the best basketball I’ve ever played,” said Jokic. “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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