After missing two games due to a cold, Nikola Jokić returned in style! He led Denver to a convincing 124-105 victory over Brooklyn, and you don’t have to guess how. Another triple-double was achieved, with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists. Moreover, this is the second time he’s recorded a triple-double alongside Russell Westbrook.
Jokić’s participation in the game was uncertain, as Denver had officially announced it, but the Brooklyn team hoped in vain that the MVP would rest a little longer. He was ready to play, demonstrating this in 38 minutes on the court, shooting 14/21 from the field. He had six out of eight free throws, stole four balls, lost only one, and had an impressive +/- index of 33.
Westbrook, the longer he plays with Jokic, increasingly resembles the old Russell. His confidence is at its peak, this time he had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, spending 36 minutes on the court, shooting 8/17.
Porter added 17 points, Porter Jr. 12, Brown 11, and Watson 10, while Johnson was the most efficient player for the Nets with 22 points, and Martin added 19.
Gordon was missing for Denver, and Jamal Murray wasn’t ready for the entire game either. He spent 16 minutes on the court and that was enough for seven points and three assists. Due to a left knee injury, he had to go to the locker room at one point in the third quarter.
All of that was forgotten thanks to Westbrook, and Nikola and Russell became the first duo to achieve a triple-double with a minimum of 25 points. They are the first duo in NBA history with multiple triple-doubles in a single season.
Denver’s next two games are against Dallas, both in the same city. The first one is scheduled for Sunday at 9 PM (European time), and the second game is scheduled for Tuesday night at 3:30 AM.
Incidentally, the new poll for All-Stars has been released, and Nikola Jokic is the dominant figure in the West. A short break didn’t affect him much, which Michael Malone had already mentioned.
Source: Sportal Photo: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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