Nikola Jokic just did something no player in NBA history has ever accomplished-posting a jaw-dropping 30-20-20 stat line in the Denver Nuggets’ thrilling 149-141 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
The reigning MVP put on a masterclass, finishing with 31 points, 22 assists, and 21 rebounds, single-handedly willing his team to victory after nearly blowing a 21-point lead.
His performance wasn’t just historic-it was record-breaking. With his 22 assists, Jokic surpassed Wilt Chamberlain’s record for the most assists in a game by a center, which previously stood at 21.
Jokic is the cornerstone of the Nuggets
In overtime, Jokic was unstoppable, either scoring or assisting on seven of Denver’s eight field goals. Overall, he played a role in 35 of the Nuggets’ 57 made shots and nearly half of their 43 rebounds. If that wasn’t enough, he also added three steals to his absurd stat line.
At just 30 years old, Jokic is already climbing the ranks of NBA history. He now has 159 career triple-doubles, ranking third all-time and inching closer to teammate Russell Westbrook’s record of 202. If he keeps up this pace, he could very well take the top spot before his career is over.
Is he on his way to his fourth MVP?
Jokic entered Friday averaging career highs in points (28.8), assists (20.4), steals (1.8), and 3-point shooting (43.9%), while ranking third in rebounds. Despite already having three MVP trophies, he has somehow been considered an underdog in this season’s race, with Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seen as the favorite.
But after making NBA history with a 30-20-20 masterpiece, Jokic just sent a clear message to MVP voters-this league still belongs to the Joker.
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