Nikola Jokić is nicely on his approach to successful his fourth MVP in 5 seasons, and performances like Thursday night time’s are why that is the case.
The Serbian celebrity put up maybe his most spectacular sport ever, and among the finest in NBA historical past, en path to his Denver Nuggets‘ 132-123 win over the Sacramento Kings.
Jokić dropped 35 factors, grabbed 22 rebounds and handed out 17 assists within the contest, good for his league-leading twentieth triple-double of the season; the next-closest is LeBron James with 9, so he’s fairly actually lapping the sector.
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Denver Nuggets heart Nikola Jokic (15) reacts following the win over Sacramento Kings at Ball Area. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Pictures)
With the efficiency, Jokić grew to become simply the second particular person in NBA historical past to drop 35-plus factors, seize 20 or extra rebounds, and dish out not less than 15 assists in a sport. The opposite? Wilt Chamberlain, who did so again on February 14, 1962, when he put up 35-24-15.
However in placing up the dominant numbers got here one thing that you must see to imagine.
With the seconds winding down within the third quarter, and the Nuggets up large, Jokić determined to heave a shot on the reverse finish of the courtroom. Properly, if you’re scorching, you are scorching.
It is now 5 consecutive triple-doubles for Jokić, who’s averaging a career-high 30.2 factors, 13.4 rebounds (his second-most), and 10.1 assists, additionally probably the most of his profession. However the shot is what appeared to take the sector by storm – besides Jokić, after all.
Denver Nuggets heart Nikola Jokic (15) reacts alongside ahead Aaron Gordon (32) following a full courtroom basket made within the second half in opposition to the Sacramento Kings at Ball Area. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Pictures)
“I assumed it had an opportunity, after which increase,” mentioned teammate Russell Westbrook, who satirically is the final participant to common a triple-double in a season. “The very best a part of it was no response from him. Which I really like.”
Added head coach Michael Malone, “Not stunning. He’s a man that has this uncanny capacity.”
“If you play you need to make each shot,” Jokić mentioned. “I took it to make it and I did make it. It’s a fortunate shot, not likely a high-percentage shot, however I took it to make it. It’s three factors. It’s going to assist us.”
Solely Oscar Robertson and Westbrook have averaged a 30-point triple-double in NBA historical past, however Jokić may very nicely be a part of their firm.
Denver Nuggets heart Nikola Jokic (15) is interviewed by Altitude sports activities reporter Katy Winge following the win over Sacramento Kings at Ball Area. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Pictures)
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“I feel that is the perfect basketball I’ve ever performed,” Jokić mentioned. “I’m feeling good on the market, I’m in form, the ball goes in. I feel I’m taking part in actually good.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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