FILE PHOTO: Dec 17, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Nikola Jokic has passed Wilt Chamberlain on the list for the most triple-doubles ever in the NBA.
The Denver Nuggets defeated Oklahoma City Thunder in their latest meeting at the PayCom Center in Oklahoma City on Thursday night. The away side won the game 122-110 to register their fifth win in eight games so far this season – and could credit a large part of their performance to their talisman Nikola Jokic who came up with an incredible triple-double.
Jokic continued his rich vein of form this season as he racked up 15 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists in what was another triple-double to add to his season performances. The Nuggets center also completed 6 of his 9 attempted field goals to cap off an impressive performance that helped his team to their fifth win of the season – taking their start to the season to 5 wins and 3 losses.
The triple-double was Jokic’s third of the season after he also racked up points, rebounds and assists in double figures in their other game against the Oklahoma City Thunder as well as against the Golden State Warriors. Jokic’s third triple-double this season not only helped his team to a win, but also helped him set an all-time NBA record for triple-doubles by a center.
Jokic’s 79th triple-double of his career helped him overtake the legendary Wilt Chamberlain for the most number of triple-doubles by a center in NBA history. Jokic overtook the Los Angeles Lakers legend to carve a niche for himself as one of the most complete centers of all time, and looked delighted to get one over one of the most legendary names in the NBA.
Following the game, Jokic seemed delighted to break the all-time record.
Speaking to the press following the win, Jokic said that it was nice to be up there on the list with one of the best to ever step on a basketball court. When asked about how it felt to break the long-time record held by Chamberlain, Jokic said: “It’s nice… to break a record of a guy who is probably one of the best ever.”
The Joker is certainly one of the most complete centers ever, but there is still a long way before the Nuggets center catches Russell Westbrook leading the all-time list with 194 triple-doubles.
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