Nikola Jokić Puts Up Historic Performance, Drops 35 Points, 22 Rebounds, and 17 Assists in Denver Nuggets’ Win
Nikola Jokić is on a roll, and his recent performance is why he’s on pace to win his fourth MVP in five seasons. The Serbian superstar put up an impressive 35 points, grabbed 22 rebounds, and handed out 17 assists in the Denver Nuggets’ 132-123 win over the Sacramento Kings. This performance marks his 20th triple-double of the season, the most in the league.
Jokić’s performance also makes him only 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. The other? Wilt Chamberlain, who did so back in 1962. Jokić’s teammates were in awe of his dominant numbers, and head coach Michael Malone praised his “uncanny ability” to make shots like that.
But it was a specific shot that had everyone talking – a full-court shot Jokić launched with seconds left in the third quarter. When asked about it, Jokić said, “I thought it had a chance, and then boom.” His teammate, Russell Westbrook, noted that the best part of the shot was Jokić’s lack of reaction, which “I love.”
Jokić is having an incredible season, averaging a career-high 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 10.1 assists. Only Oscar Robertson and Westbrook have averaged a 30-point triple-double in NBA history, and Jokić is on pace to join them. When asked about his season, Jokić said, “I think this is the best basketball I’ve ever played. I’m feeling good out there, I’m in shape, the ball is going in. I think I’m playing really good.”