Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic passes Magic Johnson in prestigious category
Denver Nuggets star big man Nikola Jokic added another impressive feat to his resume by surpassing Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson for third all-time for the most triple-doubles recorded.
In Thursday’s road loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jokic posted his 139th career triple-double effort with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists. It marked his ninth such performance of the season and second notched in four games played in December.
The three-time league MVP only trails teammate Russell Westbrook (200) and Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson (181) on the all-time triple-doubles lists.
“It’s something that you’re probably going to look at after you finish your career,” said Jokic via ESPN. “Right now, you don’t even think about it. But it’s a great thing. It’s really nice.”
Jokic followed up that triple-double outing against the Cavaliers with a monstrous performance in Saturday’s loss to the Washington Wizards with a career-high 56 points. It marked the second-highest score in a game in franchise history, while he was the first player in league history to notch 55 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three 3-pointers in a single game.
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Jokic is amid his best statistical season, averaging a triple-double behind ranking second in the league in scoring with 31.4 points, first with 13.6 rebounds, and second with 10.3 assists while shooting 56.1 percent from the floor and a career-best 50.6 percent from 3-point range.
The Nuggets are currently in the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings with an 11-10 record.
