It was a busy Thursday slate around the NBA, and it delivered plenty of history, relief, and fireworks. Nikola Jokic made more triple-double history, Giannis Antetokounmpo got his first win in Miami, AJ Dybantsa finally made his debut, and Stephen Curry reminded everyone who he is. Let’s get right to it, shall we?
Nikola Jokic Reaches 200 Triple-Doubles
Nikola Jokic did it again. And again, he made it look easy.
The Denver Nuggets star posted 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 104-91 win over the New Orleans Pelicans for the 200th triple-double of his career. That is a staggering number, and it puts him within sight of the all-time record. Jokic now needs just 10 more to supplant the retired Russell Westbrook as the NBA’s all-time leader. At the rate he is going, that chase might not take very long.
Heat Finally Win, and Adebayo Makes History
The Miami Heat are officially on the board. After losing their first four games with Giannis Antetokounmpo, they beat the Atlanta Hawks, 129-117.
Antetokounmpo had 24 points and 18 rebounds in his first win in a Heat uniform, while Bam Adebayo matched him with 24 points and nine rebounds. Adebayo also passed Udonis Haslem to become the franchise’s career leader in rebounds, an appropriate milestone for a team that had been waiting for a reason to celebrate. Andrew Wiggins added 18 points, and Pelle Larsson had 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. Miami shot 53% and scored a whopping 70 points in the paint.
AJ Dybantsa’s NBA Debut Spoiled
It was a rough result but a solid start for the No. 1 pick in June. AJ Dybantsa made his NBA debut for the Washington Wizards after missing the first four games with a sprained ankle, and he did not look out of place. He started at shooting guard, played 26 minutes, and led the team with 19 points, including 9 in the first quarter.
Washington, however, couldn’t hold on, as the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied in the second half for a 121-111 win. Evan Mobley had 24 points, and Peyton Watson, who was acquired from Denver in the offseason, added 22. Kyshawn George dished out 11 assists for the Wizards, who led by as many as nine early.
Video Credit: NBA
Stephen Curry Drops 44
Stephen Curry saved his best for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Golden State star scored a season-high 44 points to lead the Warriors to a 119-114 win, their second straight after an 0-3 start. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg added 26 points in a strong showing.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were without Anthony Edwards, who is expected to miss extended time after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Minnesota has now lost two in a row after opening the season 3-0.
