Landmark: With a Triple-Double Feat, Nikola Joki matches Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA Milestone
Nikola Joki has already established himself as an all-time NBA great, with two MVP honors and an NBA championship to his name. In a statistical sense, he entered elite company on Thursday night when the Nuggets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies.
Joki recorded his 11th triple-double of the season in the win, scoring 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. He accomplished so without missing a shot, shooting 11-for-11 from the field to score his third perfect triple-double of the season.
With the performance, Jokić tied Wilt Chamberlain for the most perfect triple-doubles in NBA history, according to ESPN Stats & Info. The only other player to record multiple perfect triple-doubles is Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, who has two in his career.
However, Jokić and Chamberlain are the only players to record a perfect triple-double while taking at least 10 shots from the field.
Jokić now boasts 116 career triple-doubles in his nine-year NBA career, which ranks fourth in league history, and he has a chance to approach the top of that list depending on how long he plays. The center is 22 triple-doubles away from Magic Johnson’s 138 and 65 away from Oscar Robertson’s 181. Topping the list is Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, with 198 career triple-doubles.
Further Reading:
Nikola Jokic Names His Top Five Players Without Including Himself
In a conversation with Michael Porter Jr. on his podcast, Curious Mike, Jokic is asked to name his top five players in the NBA.
His teammate instantly gives him the praise as the best player in the league. However, Porter Jr. adds that since that’s out of the way, the Denver Nuggets big man can’t name himself as part of the list.
It takes the five-time All-Star a little while to name his list. However, he eventually comes up with four names.
He names Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant as part of the top five list. Despite the age of the latter two, they’re still putting in quite the work, even leading their team to wins at times.
He names Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant as part of the top five list. Despite the age of the latter two, they’re still putting in quite the work, even leading their team to wins at times.
“I think I’m gonna say Joel, Luka. I mean you gotta put KD and LeBron there. Even they are a little bit older but I think still can perform.”
Nikola Jokic
However, he finds it difficult to name a fifth one. Not because there aren’t any other noteworthy names in the league, but there are too many to fit in a top five.
Eventually, he named Stephen Curry as one of the top fives. Furthermore, he adds a few more names that make it hard to pick a top five list. He names the likes of Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Steph… You know I think it’s so [hard]. [They all have] the talent. Tatum, Ant, Giannis. I think it’s really impossible to say.”
Nikola Jokic
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