As the Denver Nuggets defeated the Houston Rockets 133-112 on Tuesday, Nikola Jokic became the sixth player in NBA history to reach 100 career triple-doubles.
His 24th triple-double of the season, the Serbian center ended with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The Nuggets have won each game in which Jokic has recorded a triple-double this season, making it his 15th triple-double in his last 20 games.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said: “We haven’t lost a game in those triple-doubles which speaks to his greatness.”
Jokic joined Russell Westbrook (198), Oscar Robertson (181), Magic Johnson (138), Jason Kidd (107) and LeBron James (106) in reaching triple figures for triple-doubles in the NBA.
Congrats to Nikola Jokic of the @nuggets for becoming the 6th player in NBA history to reach 100 career triple-doubles! pic.twitter.com/ZVx7B4sOWE
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2023
If Jokic, who is 28 years old, continues on the path he has taken in the past two consecutive MVP seasons, he could foreseeably move up that list.
“For him to be mentioned with all these historical accomplishments, reminds you that we are so blessed to have a guy like Nikola,” Malone added.
“I challenge all of us in Denver to never take him for granted. To never take his greatness for granted.”
Malone subtly added that Jokic should win a third straight MVP, while discussing his strengths.
“We all know he’s a two-time MVP, about to be a three-time MVP, you talk about the skill level, the IQ, the rebounding, playmaking, scoring all that but the intangibles are the areas Nikola has grown the most,” Malone said.
On Jokic’s defense, Malone added: “He’s a high IQ player. He has tremendous anticipation and outstanding hand-eye coordination.
“People think if you’re not a great athlete, you can’t be a good defender but I think that’s malarkey. I think Nikola is a living example of a guy who can be an effective defender and not necessarily be an elite athlete.”