Jokic’s triple-double streak cements his place among NBA greats
Nikola Jokic returned to the Denver Nuggets’ starting lineup on Friday evening, stepping back onto the court as they faced the Dallas Mavericks.
Jokic had been sidelined for the previous three games due to personal reasons.
Despite the Nuggets falling short in a close 123-120 loss, Jokic delivered a stellar performance. He racked up 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists while shooting 13-for-22 from the field and 2-for-2 from beyond the arc in 39 minutes.
The three-time MVP also cemented his place in NBA history with his impressive display.
Over the course of 11 games this season, Jokic is averaging 30.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, 11.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He’s been remarkably efficient, shooting 56.5% from the field and 58.5% from three-point range.
Now in his tenth NBA season, all with Denver, Jokic continues to be the cornerstone of the Nuggets’ success.
The Nuggets, however, are off to a mixed start this season. With an 8-6 record after 14 games, they currently sit in the sixth seed of the Western Conference.
Following their loss to Dallas, Denver is set to play the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
Jokic has joined an elite group, becoming only the fifth player in NBA history to achieve three straight 30-point triple-doubles. The list includes:
Oscar Robertson: Oscar Robertson holds the record for the most career triple-doubles while scoring 30+ points, with an incredible 106 triple-doubles. He also achieved the rare feat of averaging a triple-double for an entire season during 1961–62, posting 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists.
Russell Westbrook: Russell Westbrook is among the few players in NBA history to average a 30-point triple-double during a playoff series. He is also the first player ever to record 200 career triple-doubles.
Michael Jordan: Michael Jordan, a name synonymous with greatness, also achieved three consecutive 30-point triple-doubles during his career.
Luka Dončić: Luka Dončić etched his name in the record books with six consecutive 30-point triple-doubles, surpassing Russell Westbrook’s previous record.
Jokic’s latest achievement places him firmly among the NBA’s all-time greats, continuing his legacy as one of the most versatile and dominant players in the game.
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Image: © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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