Nikola Jokić makes NBA history with a remarkable 30-20-20 triple-double during the Denver Nuggets’ thrilling 149-141 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns. Just 30 minutes after achieving this milestone, he sat in front of his locker, scrolling through his phone, appearing unfazed by the significance of his accomplishment.
The three-time NBA MVP recorded 31 points, 21 rebounds, and a career-high 22 assists, marking the first time in league history a player has achieved such a feat. “It’s not supposed to go that way,” Jokić remarked, reflecting on his performance. He recalled a conversation with teammate Aaron Gordon, who noted, “That was a quiet 30 points.” Jokić attributed his success to the team’s collective flow rather than individual brilliance.
This historic triple-double was Jokić’s 29th of the season, tying the franchise record, and he reached this milestone just 1:20 into the second half with his 10th rebound. He was on track early, finishing the first quarter with 10 points, six assists, and six rebounds, and at halftime, he had 13 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds.
At 30 years old, the Serbian star is averaging a triple-double with 19 games remaining in the season. His impressive stats—28.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.6 assists per game—place him among the top three in the NBA across all categories.
“I can’t describe him, so don’t ask me to,” said Denver coach Michael Malone. “The guy is just an incredible player. When you are one of one in this league, with its tremendous history, that says a lot.” Malone emphasized that while there are many talented players, Nikola Jokić stands alone in his unique abilities.
His explosive start to overtime revitalized the Nuggets after they had squandered a 21-point lead. During the extra period, he contributed five points, five assists, and three rebounds, playing nearly 45 minutes in total.
Jokić initiated overtime with a smooth 4-foot turnaround shot, then assisted Jamal Murray for two baskets and set up a dunk and layup by Christian Braun in a remarkable 13-second sequence.
“He’s just one of a kind,” Braun stated. “You’ll never see something like this ever again. You’ll never see a player that does the things he does night in and night out.”
Previously, Jokić’s highest assist total was 19, achieved on February 24 against Indiana. He surpassed that during a play that led to Michael Porter Jr.’s dunk, giving Denver a 139-130 lead with just 1:18 remaining.
With 149 career triple-doubles, Friday marked the seventh occasion this season where he recorded at least 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists, tying him with Oscar Robertson for the most in a single season. His 22 assists are the highest recorded by a center in a game, though he remains far from Scott Skiles’ NBA record of 30, a statistic he is not overly concerned about.
“I have different problems than that right now,” he commented, demonstrating his focus on the team’s goals rather than individual records.
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