Nikola Jokić: Triple-Doubles Continue to Flow Even as Scoring Takes a Backseat
Denver, CO – Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets’ three-time MVP, is off to another historically notable start to the NBA season. While his scoring and three-point shooting haven’t quite reached their usual heights, the Serbian superstar is demonstrating that his all-around dominance remains firmly intact.
Jokić delivered a commanding 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in Monday night’s 127-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking his third triple-double in as many games. this astonishing feat places him in exceedingly rare company.
According to NBC Sports, only two other players in NBA history have begun a season with three consecutive triple-doubles: Oscar Robertson (1960-61) and Russell Westbrook (2020-21). Notably, Robertson and Westbrook are also the only players to have ever averaged a triple-double for an entire season - Robertson achieving it once, and Westbrook four times in five years (2015-2021). Jokić himself accomplished the feat last season,a testament to his consistent brilliance.
With his latest performance, Jokić now boasts 167 career triple-doubles, further solidifying his place among the league’s all-time greats.
A Shift in Focus, Not a Decline in Impact
The Nuggets have assembled a retooled roster designed to distribute the scoring load, potentially easing the pressure on Jokić, who averaged a career-best 29.6 points per game last season. Early returns suggest a strategic shift, with Jokić prioritizing playmaking and rebounding.
Through the first three games, Jokić’s scoring has indeed seen a slight dip. He struggled from beyond the arc in a hard-fought overtime loss to the Golden state Warriors (2-of-13 from three), and in a win against the Phoenix Suns, he focused on facilitating, racking up 14 rebounds and a remarkable 15 assists while attempting only eight field goals.
Monday’s game against the Timberwolves - playing without Anthony Edwards – saw Jokić efficiently score 25 points on 9-of-10 shooting,without attempting a single three-pointer.He appears content to let the game come to him, and to capitalize on opportunities inside.
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