Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
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Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets continues to put together some of the most astonishing stat lines in history as he makes another MVP case, winning the most recent NBA Player of the Week award.
A hard-fought win was in store for the Denver Nuggets in Texas on Thursday, March 13.
The veteran center Nikola Jokic led his team to a gutsy victory over the Victor Wembanyama-less San Antonio Spurs. Lately, the Spurs have been rolling, but they couldn’t take care of business without their superstar big man on Thursday.
Jokic did a little bit of everything. In 39 minutes, he shot 9-17 from the field and 11-11 from the free-throw line to score 31 points.
Beyond his scoring, Jokic came down with a game-high 20 rebounds, while securing the triple-double with 12 assists. He also had three steals and two blocks.
Nikola Jokic Builds On A Jaw-Dropping Stat In Nuggets-Spurs Game
GettyDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic dribbles the ball. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
With another 30/20/10 game, Jokic secured the 10th of his career.
via UnderDogNBA: Most 30/20/10 games in last 50 years:
Nikola Jokic – 10
Rest of NBA combined – 6
Underdog NBA
Most 30/20/10 games in last 50 years:
Nikola Jokic – 10 Rest of NBA combined – 6
Fans on X chime in on the stat…
@TheMetsX: He’s genuinely the best basketball player to ever play and nobody can convince me otherwise
@JUST_KAWS: He’s in a league of his own. 1/1
@ROMEO_77R: Nikola Jokic isn’t competing with the NBA…he’s competing with the entire league combined and still winning. 🤯🏀
@WHOISCEEJAYY: there are actual people who think he’s not the best in the world btw
@0xbillsy: Jokic’s a one-man show! 😂 10 games, that’s crazy! The rest of the NBA’s like, ‘we’re trying our best, bro’
@projectbabyytf: Best center of all time
If Nikola Jokic isn’t the best center to play the game, he’s certainly in the mix as one of them. Since his fourth season in the NBA, the Nuggets center has been in the MVP conversation.
Jokic hasn’t exited the MVP discussion since he broke in and became an NBA All-Star. As he’s working on potentially securing the hardware for the 2025-2026 NBA season, Jokic likely just views that potential as a bonus. The big man is already a three-time winner of the award.
When Jokic didn’t win over the past three years, he was the runner-up. The 11-year run with the Nuggets has been that dominant.
Checking in on Nuggets Reddit…
LegateDamar13: That’s pretty sick!
ninkcantdraw: triple double/offensive machine 🔥🔥
ProofResponsible1617: Only 5 other players in NBA history have ever got that, and only Luka has had more than one ( he had 2). Insane stat!
Nikola Jokic’s Continued NBA Dominance
Nikola Jokic reacts to a question during a press conference.
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At 30, Jokic is on pace to finish high in the MVP race once again.
Although he has run thin on eligibility, the star center has proven to be durable throughout his career for the most part. He could finish with 65 appearances to keep his eligibility for end-of-year awards, and he’ll cash in with some if he does.
In 50 games leading up to Thursday’s action, Jokic is averaging 28.6 points (57% FG, 39% 3PT), 12.5 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. He leads the league in rebounds and assists at this point of the year.
With a 41-26 record, Jokic and the Nuggets are fifth in the Western Conference. They hold a 0.5-game lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets are neck-and-neck with the Houston Rockets, who are 20-45 on the year.
Jokic will get an opportunity to build on a big night on Saturday on the road again. The Nuggets will pay a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers on March 14.