Nikola Jokic has made a career out of spectacular performances, aweing fans with his basketball IQ and ability to put up gaudy statistics in all major categories.
But on a random Tuesday night in March, the three-time MVP shattered the highest ceiling anyone could put on him.
Jokic dropped 61 points (career-high), 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 140-139 loss in double overtime to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Nikola Jokic vs Wolves:
61 PTS (career-high)
11 REB
10 AST
2 STL
6-11 3PThe first 60-point triple-double in a loss in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/217GnRTiHA
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 2, 2025
MORE: Two boneheaded Russell Westbrook mistakes that cost Nuggets the win in 2OT thriller
The Nuggets trailed for much of the fourth quarter and first overtime. Each moment they needed a play, they turned to the solemn Serbian, who delivered when needed.
At the end of the night, Jokic will say he only wanted the win, but it doesn’t minimize his individual achievements.
Third 60-point triple-double in NBA history
It was only right that Jokic’s career-high 61 points was accompanied by his signature triple-double. The Nuggets’ superstar became just the third player in NBA history to accomplish the feat. Luka Doncic did it in 2022, James Harden in 2018.
Tonight, Nikola Jokić posted the THIRD 60-PT triple-double in NBA history 🔥🔥
James Harden – 1/30/2018
Luka Dončić – 12/27/2022
Nikola Jokić – TONIGHTHe’s the first to do so with at least 6 3PM.
Historic performance for the Joker 🃏 https://t.co/fD43zAbNbn pic.twitter.com/eUXEiedsOo
— NBA (@NBA) April 2, 2025
Ties Wilt Chamberlain for most triple-doubles in a season by a center
Another big man known for his unbelievable statlines? Wilt the Stilt.
Jokic tied the legend with 31 triple-doubles in a season by a center. With six games left in the Nuggets’ season, it would be a good bet that the Serbian takes the record outright.
Nikola Jokic has tied Wilt Chamberlain for the most triple-doubles in a season (31) by a center. pic.twitter.com/2F0Ojw41qJ
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 2, 2025
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Played 40 straight minutes, 53 total
Many of Jokic’s critics may bring up his weight or body composition as a negative. But his conditioning was on display Tuesday night in a game the Nuggets could have afforded to phone in.
Jokic came off the bench with 6:28 to go in the second quarter. He didn’t sub out for the rest of the contest He played 53 minutes total, which ties the season-high for minutes in a game.
The other 53-minute game this year? Jokic’s teammate Christian Braun in the same game. Braun dropped 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Nikola Jokic has been in the game since the 6:28 mark in the second quarter.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 2, 2025
How does this change the MVP race?
Before the game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder was the runaway betting favorite (-4000) with Jokic trailing far behind (+1200) according to ESPN BET. With time dwindling in the season, it may be too late for Jokic to make a comeback.
However, this game will carry a lot of weight with voters, especially at the end of the regular season where it will be fresh in their minds. It was also against a playoff team and a Western Conference rival on national television. This was Jokic’s best chance at swinging the tides of the MVP race, but only time will tell if his efforts will be rewarded.
Two things said by Greg Anthony on the @NBAonTNT broadcast tonight:
“(Nikola Jokic) is probably having, statistically speaking, the most impressive season our game has ever seen.”
“He’s probably not going to win MVP.”
Make it make sense 😂
— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) April 2, 2025
