The Denver Nuggets will enter the NBA All-Star break with a 122-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, thanks in large part to big man Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP put up yet another triple-double with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists to lead the Nuggets to their 35th win of the season against 20 losses.
Fellow All-Star Jamal Murray added 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Tim Hardaway Jr. came off the Nuggets’ bench to score 21 points on 7-for-8 shooting. GG Jackson led Memphis with 21 points and 5 rebounds, Ty Jerome had 19 points and 7 assists, and Jaylen Wells contributed 17 points and 2 steals.
Jokic Keeps Making History
Jokic’s effort on Thursday was, well, historic yet again. With his 15 rebounds, 11 assists, and 10 made free throws, the Serbian center became the first and only player in NBA history to post 1,000 total points, 475 rebounds, 400 assists, 30 blocks, 250 free throws made, and 75 treys converted before the All-Star break.
That feat is impressive in and of itself. But it’s even more impressive given how the Joker missed 17 of the Nuggets’ 55 games this season thus far due to a knee injury. Without those missed games, Jokic likely would have had more points and breached 500 rebounds and 500 assists as well. That’s because the one-time champ is averaging 28.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 10.7 assists this season.
Jokic will next play for Team World, alongside Murray, in the NBA All-Star Game. He and the Nuggets will open the second half of the season next Friday, February 20, against the Los Angeles Clippers.
