The Nuggets played against the Cleveland Cavaliers and lost the game with a 12-point margin (126-114). While Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland dominated the paint, Nikola Jokic was one point away from making NBA History. The games had major flaws that made Jokic’s efforts on the court futile. How did Jokic make history?
Nikola Jokic Makes NBA History
Nikola Jokic made history against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nuggets center passed Magic Johnson to be third in all-time triple-doubles with 139 triple-doubles. Magic Johnson is now fourth with 138 triple-doubles, followed by LeBron James, who has 117 triple-doubles.
Now, Jokic is 43 triple-doubles away from passing Oscar Robertson, who has 181. Also, the 29-year-old center is 62 triple-doubles away from being the NBA all-time leader in triple-doubles. Russell Westbrook’s teammate has 200 triple-doubles, making him the current NBA all-time leader in triple-doubles.
Westbrook got to his 200th against the Memphis Grizzlies, and there is a chance that Nikola Jokic will pass him. Westbrook is in his mid-30s, while Jokic is 29 years old. If the three-time MVP remains consistent in his stellar performance, he could suppress Westbrook in under three seasons.
Jokic’s Performance This Season
Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.9 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. With this performance, the Nuggets center keeps adding momentum to his 2024-25 season MVP race. The Denver Nuggets team has been struggling despite Jokic’s prime performance. Despite the 29-year-old center dominating both ends of the floor, the Nuggets couldn’t defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are now 20-for-3 in 23 games.
Jokic’s 10th assist made him clinch this feat in the fourth quarter. During the games, the three-time MVP dished an assist to Micheal Porter Jr., who made his shot from deep less than four minutes to the end of the game. At the end of the game, Nikola Jokic made 27 points, grabbed 20 rebounds, and dished 11 assists to make his 139th career triple-double.
Since Joker’s first MVP award, the center has posted 85 triple-doubles. Just this season, he currently has nine triple-doubles in 17 games. That’s why the Nuggets center averages a triple-double per game. Despite his dominant performance in 17 games, the Nuggets are 11-for-9 in 20 games. With the highly competitive Western Conference, a team performance like this won’t be enough to be seen as a solid title contender.
Reactions on Jokic’s Triple-Double Feat
Nikola Jokic received accolades from his teammates and coach. A notable reaction from the Nuggets team was Jamal Murray. Murray finished his performance against the Cavaliers with 19 points. After the game, he expressed that due to Jokic’s work ethic, the center could display a stellar performance on the court. Murray continued by saying, “His touches continue to amaze me. He does everything on the court with a great attitude and has a will to win.”
While Murray praised Jokic for his performance, George Karl, an NBA Legend, had a bold take on the three-time MVP. In his tweet on X, Karl likened Jokic’s influence on the court to that of Micheal Jordan in the Chicago Bulls. The former Sacramento Coach said, “The Nuggets have been more reliant on Joker the past five years than the Bulls ever were on Jordan. Jokic is the primary rebounder, passer, playmaker, and leader every game.” This comment shook the NBA world as everyone had something to say about this comparison.
Denver Nugget Struggle
Jokic acknowledged his feat. Yet, he spoke about the team’s performance and records. So, the three-time MVP wasn’t really moved by his performance. Last season, the Nuggets were considered as championship contenders. However, after the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets, the latter status dropped. Also, losing KCP and Bruce Brown took a toll on the Nugget team.
“It’s something that you’re probably going to look at after you finish your career,” said Jokic. Right now, you don’t even think about it. But it’s a great thing. It’s really nice.”
Following Nikola Jokic’s acknowledgment, Coach Micheal Malone said he is “truly honored to coach a player like Nikola, and he will ultimately be counted among the best.” However, he’s more concerned about the Nuggets and where they stand.
Final Thoughts
The Denver Nuggets were still considered solid champion contenders after the 2024 playoffs. The team added Westbrook as a third option this offseason to reduce the offensive burden on Murray and Jokic. However, the Nuggets struggled in their last 10 away games, going 5-for-5. Against the Cavaliers, the team struggled from deep and poor perimeter defense. The Nuggets only made 6-of-24 three-point attempts while relying on mainly mid-range shots and layups. Hopefully, the team elevate their performance in the next game.
