Nikola Jokic is often described as being the best basketball player on the planet.
It’s harder to dispute that theory after the three-time MVP unleashed a performance that had previously never been achieved in NBA history.
“Nikola Jokic is one of one,” said Denver head coach Michael Malone, after the Nuggets’ 149-141 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
While Kevin Durant‘s team took another step backward, Jokic again reminded basketball fans across the world why he’s so special.
The Serbian big man scored 31 points, grabbed 21 rebounds and dished out 22 assists.
That last stat is historic in itself.
No center had ever recorded 22 assists in a game before Jokic on Friday night.
But the 31-21-22 triple-double was a truly supreme athletic achievement on the hardwood.
The 30-year-old Jokic became the first player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double featuring at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists.
He also tied a Denver record with his 29th triple-double of the season, while increasing his career mark to a whopping 149.
In addition, Jokic tied Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson with his seventh 15-15-15 game this season.
Throw in a strong Nuggets (41-22) victory in OT at home, and Jokic produced a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
“I mean, the first player to ever have a 30, 20 and 20 game,” Malone said.
“I can’t describe him, so don’t ask me to. The guy is just an incredible player, and when you are one of one in this league and the tremendous history of this league, that says a lot.
“There’s a lot of good players in this league, but Nikola, in my opinion, is just in a class well by himself.”
Fans were blown away by Jokic’s history, while insisting that the three-time NBA MVP is still underrated.
“Video game numbers,” one fan tweeted.
“Nikola Jokic is the greatest player of his generation,” a second fan wrote.
“Top 10 player of all time,” a third fan posted.
They also believe that Jokic could have had even bigger numbers if he received more foul calls.
“Three (free throws),” one fan said.
“Defenders are allowed to wrap him up mid play off ball. Literally the only way to guard him is three players fouling him entire possessions and the league allowing it.”
As always, Jokic played down his surreal achievements and remained humble.
“It’s gonna be nice to go finish my career, on my couch, and think I had a really good game,” he said.
With the historic win, Denver moved into a tie for second place in the Western Conference with LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the surging Los Angeles Lakers.
The Nuggets are 7-3 in their last 10 games as they attempt to reach the NBA Finals again.
Jokic is averaging a triple-double of 28.8 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.4 assists this season while shooting 57.6 percent for the field.
He rivals Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the leading contender for NBA MVP in 2024-25.
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