By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Nuggets got back on a winning track after beating the Bucks 121 – 117 at home with Serbian center Nikola Jokic netting 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. It’s the first triple-double of his career, something that was more or less foreseen after getting so close to the achievement in numerous games before.
Jokic is responsible for many drooling-quality assists this year and his affinity for efficiently passing the ball, often in a spectacular manner, is now abundantly obvious. The triple-double was simply bound to happen, sooner or later.
Still, the 23-13-11 statline is pretty damn impressive, given the fact that only he and four other players since 1983 have registered such production at 21 years of age.
According to NBA Math, Jokic joined an exclusive club which also includes Jay Williams, Lamar Odom, Lebron James and a certain fellow named Michael Jordan.
The Serbian big guy dropped buckets from all ranges and in any way imaginable, rebounded using iron will and smart positioning while his vision allowed him to send dimes like throwing coins in a fountain.
He actually finished the “triple-double” mission almost… casually when he dished out assist no. 10 with five minutes left in the game-clock. It was beautiful baseball-pass to Kenneth Faried for the slam in transition. Quite the fitting way to crown his accomplishment.