Nikola Jokic handed NBA legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson on the all-time checklist for triple-doubles, however couldn’t stop the Denver Nuggets being overwhelmed by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jokic now has 139 triple-doubles, the third-most within the league’s historical past – behind simply Oscar Robertson (181) and Russell Westbrook (200).
A triple-double is when a participant registers double digits in three out of the 5 statistical classes – Jokic scored 27 factors with 20 rebounds and 11 assists.
“It is one thing that you simply’re most likely going to have a look at after you end your profession,” Jokic stated.
“Proper now, you do not even give it some thought. But it surely’s an awesome factor. It is very nice.”
Regardless of Jokic’s ninth triple-double of the season, the Nuggets – the 2023 NBA champions – got here up quick in Cleveland, dropping 126-114.
Donovan Mitchell starred for the hosts, scoring 28 factors because the Jap Convention leaders recorded a season-high 22 three-pointers.
“It took all people,” Mitchell stated. “Jokic is MVP for a purpose, he makes that workforce phenomenal.”
Serb Jokic was named because the NBA’s Most Worthwhile Participant for a 3rd time in 2023.
The defeat leaves the Nuggets eighth within the Western Convention, having misplaced 11 of their 20 matches.
“I like Nikola, I actually do, and I am lucky to teach him and he is probably the greatest to ever do it,” head coach Michael Malone stated.
“However I am simply a lot extra involved about my workforce proper now.”
In the meantime, Luka Doncic moved as much as joint-seventh on the all-time triple-double checklist, scoring 21 factors with 10 rebounds and 10 assists because the Dallas Mavericks beat the Washington Wizards 137-101.
It was Doncic’s 78th triple-double and places the Slovenian stage with Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden.