What Denver coach Michael Malone said about Jokic’s ‘historical’ performance vs. Kings
Denver Nuggets and seven-time NBA All-Star Nikola Jokić has developed a habit of getting triple-doubles this season — and on Thursday he did so as his team beat the Sacramento Kings 132-123 at Ball Arena.
Jokić recorded his fifth consecutive triple-double and 20th of the season. He didn’t even play the fourth quarter.
Jokic, also a three-time MVP, made a three-quarter court shot at the third-quarter buzzer to put the Nuggets up by 25 points. As the Kings worked up a big fourth-quarter comeback to get within five, Jokic made four free throws in the final minute to secure the victory.
“If no one’s ever done it, to your point, I’m just gonna say ‘historical,’” Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone summed up (see video here and above) Jokic’s performance after the game. “You think about his 10 years here, you think about the three MVPs, you think about the championship, the finals MVP — and this is the best season he’s ever had. And that’s saying a lot.”
Jokic posted 35 points, 22 rebounds and 17 assists. No player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968 has scored more than 30 points, pulled down 20 rebounds and dished out 15 assists in a game, according to news reports.
