Nikola Jokic continues to redefine greatness in the NBA, delivering a historic performance that has never been seen before in the league’s history. In the Denver Nuggets‘ 149-141 overtime victory against the Phoenix Suns, Jokic recorded a 31-point, 21-rebound, and 22-assist triple-double, making him the first player ever to achieve a 30-20-20 game.
While the entire basketball world was left in awe, Nikola Jokic himself responded with his usual nonchalant demeanor, treating it as just another night at the office. During a post-game interview with SportsCenter’s Scott Van Pelt, Jokic remained humble and unfazed when asked about the significance of his performance.
Scott Van Pelt: “Nikola, hey, it’s Scott Van Pelt. Welcome back to the show. I realize that you’re a man that is often not impressed with what he does, but what you just did has never been done in the history of the game.”
“Your stat line, a 30-20-21. I don’t know if you know that, but I just would ask you to frame your performance. What did you think of what you did tonight?”
Nikola Jokic: “We didn’t play well against Sacramento and I think we just found a way to win the game. It was a high scoring game. I think both teams are shooting the ball really well so it was just that kind of night.”
Scott Van Pelt: “Nikola, it’s a 30-20-20, no one’s ever done it. Tim Legler, who’s calling the game, says, I’ve never seen anything like it. I get that this is just kind of what you do, but do you appreciate, for those of us watching it, we’re just kind of shaking our heads?”
Nikola Jokic: “I mean, thank you guys. I think I’m going to see this and think about this in my career. I always say that it’s some kind of legacy. It’s going to be nice to go when I finish my career in my couch and like I had a really good game.”
“So right now it’s just We have a back-to-back in two days or tomorrow, So I’m like I’m thinking how to get rest how to recover myself.”
Scott Van Pelt: “Okay, I understand in terms of your team and in where you sit in the West, we know that there are really good teams around you, but your group has done it.”
“As you play these last 19 games with an eye on the playoffs and trying to do it again, what’s the sense of confidence you have of your ability to do it one more time, Nikola?”
Nikola Jokic: “I mean, I think we are not playing well. We have problems like every other team, but we are winning games. I think that’s saying something about this team and I’m confident. You know, we always find a way.”
“Sometimes it’s not good, sometimes it’s not really pretty, but we find a way in every game. I think in the playoffs, when it matters the most, we’re going to find a way.”
Jokic’s dominant stat line was beyond historic. Not only did he become the first player in NBA history to post a 30-20-20 stat line, but he also broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for the most assists by a center in a game, surpassing the legendary mark of 21. His performance was nothing short of breathtaking, as he either scored or assisted on 35 of Denver’s 57 made field goals and grabbed nearly half of their 43 total rebounds.
Jokic was questionable for the game with an ankle injury, making his dominance even more remarkable. But despite putting up one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history, the Serbian superstar shrugged it off like it was nothing.
Jokic’s season stats are MVP-caliber as he is averaging 28.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game shooting 57.7% from the field and 43.9% from 3-point range.
He is third in points, third in rebounds, second in assists, and fourth in steals—a statistical dominance we have never seen from a player before.
The Nuggets are currently tied for the second-best record in the West but sit in the third seed behind the Los Angeles Lakers due to win percentage. But, they have two upcoming matchups against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, giving Jokic the perfect opportunity to make a statement in the MVP race.
Despite these mind-blowing numbers, Jokic is not the MVP favorite, with many placing Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of him. However, the upcoming games against OKC present Jokic with a golden chance to prove that he is still the most dominant force in the league.
If he continues this level of play, his fourth MVP award may soon be inevitable. But in typical Jokic fashion, he probably wouldn’t care—he’s just focused on winning games and finding ways to rest before the next one.
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