Nikola Jokić is well on his way to winning her fourth MVP for five seasons, and performances such as Thursday night are the reason why is the case.
The Serbian superstar may have put his most impressive game ever, and one of the best in the NBA history, on his way to Hans Denver Nuggets’ 132-123 victory over Sacramento Kings.
Jokić dropped 35 points, grabbed 22 rebounds and handed out 17 assists in the competition, good for his league-leading 20. Triple-double in the season; The next closest is LeBron James with nine, so he is literally to blow up the field.
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Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic (15) responds after the victory over Sacramento Kings in Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy-Preferred Pictures)
With the performance, Jokić just became the other person in the NBA story to drop 35 Plus points, grab 20 or more rebounds and bowl at least 15 assists in a game. The other? Wilt Chamberlain, who made it back on February 14, 1962, when he set up 35-24-15.
But by putting the dominant numbers came something that you have to see to believe.
With seconds wrapping down in the third quarter, and Nuggets Big, Jokić decided to hover a shot at the opposite end of the court. When you’re hot you’re hot.
There are now five consecutive triple-double to Jokić, which is on average a career high 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds (his second most) and 10.1 assists, also most of his career. But the shot is what seemed to take the arena by storm – except Jokić, of course.
Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic (15) responds together with Fremad Aaron Gordon (32) after a full court basket made in the second half against Sacramento Kings in Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy-Preferred Pictures)
“I thought it had a chance and then boom,” said teammate Russell Westbrook, who, ironically, is the last player to be a triple double in a season on average. “The best part of it was no reaction from him. As I love.”
Added head coach Michael Malone, “Not surprising. He is a guy who has this creepy ability.”
“When you play, you want to make every shot,” Jokić said. “I took it to handle it and I did it. It’s a lucky shot, not really a high -percent shot, but I took it to do it. It’s three points. It will help us.”
Only Oscar Robertson and Westbrook have an average of an average of a 30-point triple-double in the NBA story, but Jokić could very well join their company.
Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic (15) is interviewed by high -sports reporter Katy Winge after the victory over Sacramento Kings in the Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy-Preferred Pictures)
“I think this is the best basketball I’ve ever played,” Jokić said. “I’m fine out there I’m in shape, the ball goes in. I think I’m playing really well.”
