Nikola Jokic made history on Tuesday night and broke the mark of NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain in the process.
Jokic recorded his 50th triple-double in his career while leading the Denver Nuggets, overtaking the Milwaukee Bucks 128-97, making him only the second pivot in league history to lose 50 of them.
Chamberlain did this in 703 games, however, Jokic needed only 416.
“It just shows your greatness,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone, via the Associated Press. “The guy doesn’t get tired. He doesn’t get tired. When he was out of the game, he was in the huddle, he is on the bench begging his teammates to hit and play defense and move the ball. When your best player is doing this, it really sends a message. “
Jokic finished with 37 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in the win – which marked his fourth win in five games. They kept Bucks with just 17 points in the fourth period as well, and broke their five-game winning streak.
Jokic has averaged more than 27 points and 11 rebounds per game so far this season, his sixth in the league, and has easily put himself in the MVP conversation.
According to Malone, however, he is still not getting enough respect.
“I see all these conversations about ‘Who would you like to start a franchise with?'” Malone said on Monday, via The Denver Post. “I never saw Nikola’s name mentioned. And I’m amazed at that. My nominee, I have a written nominee, ‘Nikola Jokic is a guy I would like to build a franchise with.’ “
Will Nikola Jokic pass the Chamberlain mark?
yea.
At least, he should.
Chamberlain ended his career with 78 triples. Jokic, now 50, needs only 29 to overtake him. And, as he is only 26 years old, the Serb has plenty of time to do this task.
Although his feat is impressive, Jokic is still far behind Oscar Robertson’s 181 double doubles, who lead the NBA. Russell Westbrook is the only active player within attack range, as he is at 156.
Jokic, however, has the internal path to be the highest center on the list.
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