Nikola Jokić has reached a new height in his legendary career. On Friday night, in a back and forth 149-141 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns, Jokić accomplished something perhaps no person besides maybe Wilt Chamberlain has done (they just didn’t keep all the stats back then): a 30-point, 20-rebound, 20-assist game. The NBA had never seen anything like it. But if you’re a Jokić fan, or just someone who appreciates basketball greatness, this may not be all that surprising. Jokić is rewriting the record books on a near-nightly basis, and here’s a breakdown of why his most recent achievement is so mind-blowing:
A Record-Setting Triple-Double
First and foremost, Jokić’s 30-20-20 line is a groundbreaking achievement. He is the first player in NBA history to ever record 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists in a single game. It’s the kind of stat line that seems impossible—yet, Jokić made it look effortless.
Joining an Elite Club
While Jokić is the first to hit the 30-20-20 mark, he’s not alone in terms of massive rebounding and assist totals. Only two other players in history—Wilt Chamberlain (1968) and Russell Westbrook (2019)—have managed to achieve a stat line of 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists. And yet, Jokić’s achievement stands alone as the most points ever recorded in such a game.
Most Assists by a Center in NBA History
Jokić’s 22 assists were not just jaw-dropping—they set a new benchmark for the most assists ever recorded by a center in NBA history. The previous record, held by none other than Wilt Chamberlain, was 21 assists. This performance further solidifies Jokić’s place as one of the most unique talents to ever grace the hardwood.
A Triple-Double Machine
Jokić’s 29th triple-double of the season also made waves. Tying his career-high from last season, the Nuggets center continues to churn out triple-doubles at a pace few can match. As he closes in on the all-time leaders in this category, Jokić is giving us a front-row seat to history.
Dominating the 15-15-15 Category
This game marked Jokić’s seventh game of the season with at least 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists, which ties the record for most such games in a single season. That record, previously set by Oscar Robertson in 1961-62, is now shared with Jokić. And remember, Robertson’s era was a very different one, making Jokić’s feat all the more impressive.
A Career Milestone with Assists
Let’s not forget another remarkable stat from this game: Jokić’s 30th career game with at least 15 assists. That’s right—every other center in NBA history combined for just 15 such games, and Jokić alone has already hit that mark 30 times. Talk about setting the bar high.
The Nuggets’ Historic Night
Aside from Jokić’s otherworldly individual performance, the Nuggets also set a franchise record for points in a single game. Their 149-point output against the Suns marked their highest total since 2008, when they dropped 168 against Seattle. It’s safe to say Jokić had a hand in every part of the action.
The MVP Race Heats Up
With this performance, Jokić continues to make his case for another MVP award. His battle with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the top spot is intensifying, and Jokić’s dominance in every aspect of the game only makes things more interesting. This is a player who doesn’t just put up numbers—he changes the game.
In Conclusion: A Night to Remember
Jokić’s 30-20-20 game is one for the ages, and it’s a reminder of just how special this player is. Whether he’s setting career-highs in assists, tying records, or single-handedly carrying his team to victory, Jokić continues to break boundaries. As he makes his way toward what could be yet another MVP campaign, the rest of the NBA can only watch in awe as the Nuggets’ center redefines what is possible in basketball.
We can only imagine what he’ll do next.