It seems as if on a nightly basis, Nikola Jokic is making magic on the court for the Denver Nuggets. A three-time MVP and one-time champion, he is already seen as one of the best centers in league history. It was quite the sight to see him on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns. Nikola Jokic put forth an effort that had never been seen in NBA history.
Nikola Jokic Sets Numerous NBA Records On Friday
An NBA Record Set By Nikola Jokic For Assists By A Center
It took an extra five minutes, but the Nuggets were able to get the victory in overtime at home against the Suns. The win improved their record to 41-22, mere percentage points behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the second seed in the Western Conference.
The majority of Jokic’s box score numbers are eye-popping on a game-to-game basis. Friday night might have taken the cake though. In 45 minutes of action, the 30-year-old center finished with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists (along with three steals). Jokic shot 13-22 from the field, 3-7 from beyond the arc, and 2-3 from the free-throw line.
Those numbers from Jokic have never been seen in an NBA game before. It is the first instance of a 30-20-20 game in league history. A lot of times, it is said that a player did something for the first time since the great Wilt Chamberlain. In this case, not even Chamberlain accomplished a game with those numbers.
Speaking of Chamberlain, Jokic’s performance on Friday broke one of ‘The Stilt’s’ long-standing records. On February 2, 1968, Chamberlain dished out 21 assists in a game. That had been the most assists in a game ever by a center. His record held for over 57 years until Jokic surpassed it by one in Denver’s victory over the Suns.
Joker tonight:
— First 30/20/20 game in NBA history
— Most assists in a game by a center
— Ties LeBron in 30-point triple-doubles
— Most AST in a 30-point triple-doubleMVP performance. pic.twitter.com/kqACoL9QsM
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 8, 2025
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MVP Race May Have Tightened
Friday marked Jokic’s 29th triple-double of the season in 57 contests. The 10-year veteran now has recorded 159 triple-doubles in his career. After Friday’s performance, the likelihood of him becoming the third player ever to average one for an entire season became much greater. Jokic is now averaging 28.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.6 assists on the year. With 19 games remaining for Denver, it certainly looks like he can get it done.
The performance also seemingly tightens the MVP race which is seen by most as being between two players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is the favorite, but he sat out last night’s win by OKC over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Thunder do own an insurmountable 11-game lead over both the Lakers and Nuggets for best record in the Western Conference. The 26-year-old guard is posting averages this season of a league-leading 32.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks.
Can Jokic continue making up on ground in a quest to earn the fourth MVP of his career? It can occur as early as Sunday afternoon as the top two contenders for the award square off. Denver heads on the road to take on the Thunder. It is a game that could potentially go a long way in determining who wins MVP.
Photo credit: © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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