Nikola Jokic isn’t slowing down even after being named the 2021 NBA MVP. The Serbian big man has recorded pretty good performances this campaign, reaching new levels with the Denver Nuggets.
He displayed all his quality in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Phoenix Suns, recording an extraordinary triple-double. Yes, we’ve seen many triple-doubles in the league in 75 years. Still, Jokic did it when posting numbers that only Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar previously recorded.
He became the third player to record a 30-PT, 20-REB, 10-AST triple-double in a playoff game. The Joker finished the night with 32 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Nikola Jokic joins Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players with 30 Pts, 20 Reb, 10 Ast in a playoff game all-time. pic.twitter.com/HwmfgD6Ykg
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) June 12, 2021
After the game was over, he talked about his performances, claiming that he needed to be better if he wants to win the next game for the Nuggets.
“I think that Ayton did a really good job of being there, but still, I think I missed a couple easy ones.”
“I tried my best I didn’t want to lose. I was trying to give everything I got.”
Nikola Jokic postgame: "I think that Ayton did a really good job of being there, but still, I think I missed a couple easy ones."
"I tried my best I didn't want to lose. I was trying to give everything I got."
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) June 12, 2021
Jokic’s impressive performance wasn’t enough for Denver, who still went down against the Phoenix Suns in Game 3. They trail the Suns 3-0 now, and nothing points out that they have a chance to return from this deficit.
The 26-year-old has done great things for his squad this season, but his magic isn’t working against Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton. He keeps making history, but that won’t win the Nuggets a championship.
