Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic gets 1 step closer to NBA history with triple-double vs. Pelicans appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic recently got a number one overall NBA ranking and backed it up in a 141-135 home, overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans with a monstrous triple-double. The Nuggets superstar has impressed virtually everyone including Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama, as he inched closer to NBA history in October 24’s home win.
Jokic finished with 35 points on 12-of-23 shooting, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, three blocks and two steals, drawing him to within 10 triple doubles of former teammate and Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook (209) for most all-time.
Jokic wasn’t a one-man band against the Pelicans, although it certainly felt that way at times. Sidekick and former NBA champion Jamal Murray poured in 42 points for coach David Adelman’s team, chipping in six assists and making ten free throws in the process.
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The Nuggets’ defense was forced to pick their poison and gave up over 10 points to six different members of the Pelicans. They kept long-range bomber Jordan Poole mostly quiet, holding the former Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards and Michigan Wolverines star to just six points on a night when the Pelicans could have used another couple dozen or so.
The Nuggets got big contributions from young role players Trevon Brazile (17 points) and Christian Braun (15 points) as they found the right mixture to outscore a Pelicans speed playing with reckless abandon all night long.
Jokic is good enough to lead his Nuggets back to an NBA Finals, although most are betting against him this season. He has more triple doubles than Westbrook counting the playoffs, a huge feather in his cap as he continues to excel as part of what should be another exciting season in the Mile High City.
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