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Nikola Jokić has transformed the notion of selfless basketball excellence. In a thrilling overtime victory against the Phoenix Suns on Friday, he added a remarkable chapter to his legacy.
The Denver Nuggets star became the first player in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists in a single game, finishing with stellar numbers of 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists in this extraordinary showcase.
With less than 90 seconds remaining in overtime, Jokić was just one assist short of the historic 30-20-20 milestone. Within twenty-seven seconds, he achieved that mark, cementing his legacy with assists that led to two dunks and a layup, effectively sealing the Suns’ fate in the Nuggets’ 149-141 triumph.
NIKOLA JOKIĆ MAKES HISTORY 🚨
HIS 20TH ASSIST.
THE FIRST PLAYER EVER TO RECORD 30+ POINTS, 20+ REBOUNDS, AND 20+ ASSISTS IN A SINGLE GAME 🤯🤯🤯pic.twitter.com/TtkDibcd3o
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
In a postgame interview with ESPN, the Serbian center reacted with characteristic modesty regarding his accomplishment.
“It’ll be great to look back on my career while relaxing at home and think about the really good games I had,” Jokić remarked.
As the NBA enters its fourth quarter-century, Jokić continues to achieve unprecedented milestones. This latest accomplishment adds to his impressive list of records, which includes becoming:
Jokić’s groundbreaking performance this season places him in the race for a fourth Kia MVP award, a feat shared by only five other players in the league’s history (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, LeBron James, and Wilt Chamberlain).
Despite several significant veteran exits from the Nuggets since their 2023 NBA championship, Jokić has kept Denver in the hunt for second place in the Western Conference. Following Friday’s display, the Nuggets now proudly hold the only perfect 5-0 record in overtime games across the league.
