Nikola Jokić is on pace to win his fourth MVP in five seasons, and performances like Thursday night are why that’s the case.
The Serbian superstar turned in perhaps his most impressive game, and one of the best in NBA history, en route to the Denver Nuggets’ 132-123 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
Jokić dropped 35 points, grabbed 22 rebounds and dished out 17 assists in the contest, good for his league-leading 20th triple-double of the season; The next closest is LeBron James with nine, so he’s literally licking the field.
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts after the win over the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
With the performance, Jokić became the second person in NBA history to score more than 35 points, grab 20 or more rebounds and dish out at least 15 assists in a game. The other? Wilt Chamberlain, who did it on February 14, 1962, when he scored 35-24-15.
But when placing the dominant numbers came something you have to see to believe.
With the seconds ticking down in the third quarter, and the Nuggets going big, Jokić decided to put a shot on the opposite end of the court. Well, when you’re hot, you’re hot.
That’s now five straight three-pointers for Jokić, who is averaging 30.2 career points, 13.4 rebounds (his second most) and 10.1 assists, also a career-high. But the shot is what seemed to take the arena by storm, except for Jokić, of course.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts along with forward Aaron Gordon (32) after a full court basket made in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
“I thought I 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 was no reaction from him. Which I love.”
Added head coach Michael Malone, “It’s not surprising. He’s a guy who has this uncanny ability.”
“When you play you want to make every shot,” Jokić said. “I took it to do it and I made it. It’s a lucky shot, not really a high-percentage shot, but I took it to make it. It’s three points. It’s going to help us.”
Only Oscar Robertson and Westbrook have averaged a 30-point triple double in NBA history, but Jokić could join their company.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) is interviewed by Altitude Sports reporter Katy Winge after the win over the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
“I think this is the best basketball I’ve ever played,” Jokić said. “I feel good, I’m fit, the ball is going in. I think I’m playing very well.”
