Wilson Chandler is generally a man of few words. But he perhaps best captured what it was like to watch teammate Nikola Jokic compile another triple-double, after he recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists while sitting out the bulk of the fourth quarter in a dominant win Sunday against the Kings.
“Every time he does something, it’s amazing,” Chandler said. “But it’s kind of expected.”
It’s no longer the automatic story line when Jokic reaches that statistical feat. In fact, it’s almost becoming routine with Jokic as the clear centerpiece of Denver’s high-powered offense that entered Monday ranked sixth in the NBA in efficiency at 109.2 points per 100 possessions. Jokic’s seven triple-doubles so far this season rank third in the NBA, trailing only all-time great LeBron James (13) and reigning MVP Russell Westbrook (19). Jokic has also compiled the most in a single season in team history since Fat Lever recorded nine in 1988-89.
“I’m in the game, so I don’t want to just be there doing nothing,” Jokic said. “I’m going to hit the boards, I’m gonna assist and pass (and) score.”
Here’s a look back at Jokic’s seven triple-doubles so far in 2017-18:
Jan. 8 at Golden State: 22 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists
Jokic’s first triple-double of the season came at a crucial time, as he was struggling offensively in early January while starting alongside Mason Plumlee. But following a 1-on-1 chat with Nuggets coach Michael Malone, Jokic turned out a stellar performance in a loss to the defending champs.
Jan. 27 vs. Dallas: 11 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists
This was Jokic’s “worst” triple-double so far this season, as he went 5-of-13 from the floor and 1-of-6 from 3-point distance. But he contributed in other ways, helping Denver squeak past the pesky Mavericks in the midst of Denver’s key 10-3 stretch from Jan. 22 through Feb. 23.
Feb. 1 vs. Oklahoma City: 29 points, 13 rebounds, 14 assists
Jokic’s eye-popping stat line was overshadowed by Gary Harris’ game-winner, Paul George’s late surge and Jamal Murray’s crossover that sent Steven Adams tumbling to the floor. But Jokic’s huge effort helped Denver build a big lead on its division rival before hanging on to win.
Feb. 13 vs. San Antonio: 23 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists
This triple-double kicked off a stretch of three in a row for Jokic, pushing the Nuggets to a big win over a Spurs team it had lost to twice in January.
Feb. 15 at Milwaukee: 30 points, 15 rebounds, career-high 17 assists
This triple-double was perhaps the most impressive of his career, as it is believed to be quickest one compiled in NBA history (15 minutes). According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the 17th 30-15-15 triple-double in NBA history. And it bested fellow young star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 36 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists to propel the Nuggets to a key win right before the all-star break.
Feb. 23 vs. San Antonio: 28 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists
This stat line anchored Denver’s fourth consecutive win and second over the Spurs in less than two weeks, prompting Malone to proclaim that Jokic deserved to be in the MVP conversation.
March 11 vs. Sacramento: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists
Jokic was incredibly efficient as the Nuggets picked apart the lowly Kings, going 8-of-10 from the floor and 4-of-4 from beyond the 3-pointline. He became the first player in the NBA to record that stat line while shooting 80 percent or better from the field since Brad Miller in 2003.
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