On Thursday, he passed a player who possessed the same remarkable skill.
Denver’s superstar center passed Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and fell to 139th on the career list for triple-doubles, 126-114. Cleveland Cavaliers.
The three-time MVP finished with 27 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists. But he missed some easy shots, and the Nuggets couldn’t defend the Cavs, who made a season-high 22 3-pointers and improved to 20-3.
Jokic trails only teammates Russell Westbrook (200) and Oscar Robertson (181) on the career triple-double list.
“It’s something you probably want to look at after you finish your career,” said Jokic, who has nine triple-doubles this season. “Right now, you don’t even think about it. But it’s great. It’s really great.”
Jokic passed to Johnson in the fourth quarter, earning his 10th assist on a pass. Michael Porter Jr., who knocked down a 3-pointer from the wing with 3:37 left.
When the game ended, the towering 7-footer hugged all the Cavs and Cleveland coaches on the floor. Once he got to the locker room, Jokic was presented with a game ball to pass to Johnson.
The Nuggets guard Jamal Murray Have run out of words to describe your famous partner.
“You see it in his work ethic,” said Murray, who had 19 points. What else?”
It was a rough night for the Nuggets, who had numerous defensive lapses. Coach Michael Malone was pleased to learn of Jokic’s mark, but he quickly turned his attention to a team searching for his identity.
“We just kicked our butt,” Malone said. “Obviously, I love Nicola, and I feel very fortunate to be coaching a player with his talent and he’s going to be one of the best to do so. I’m glad to hear that. , I really am. I’m very concerned about my team right now and where we are.
“It’s not so much that we lost tonight. I knew it was going to be a tall order coming in here. I don’t like how we lost and it’s a big difference.”