Nikola Jokic Just Rewrote the History Books – Again
Nikola Jokic regularly produces mind-blowing stats, but this time, he outdid himself. The reigning MVP became the first player in NBA history to post a 30-20-20 game, but why stop there? Jokic went above and beyond, finishing with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists in an overtime thriller that saw the Denver Nuggets outlast the Phoenix Suns 149-141 on Friday night at Ball Arena.
Even in a game that had Christian Braun and Kevin Durant exchanging jaw-dropping 3-pointers in the final seconds, Jokic was the ultimate headline-maker. While most players are happy just securing a triple-double, Jokic does it like he’s grocery shopping—effortlessly, routinely, and with an extra bag of assists for good measure.
Chaotic Finish: Braun, KD, and Overtime Madness
Regulation ended in complete chaos. Devin Booker gave the Suns their first lead since the first quarter with just 1:35 left, capping an 8-0 run that had Nuggets fans sweating. Denver struggled to convert on two straight possessions, but Michael Porter Jr. snatched the ball from Mason Plumlee and banked it in to tie the game with 33.3 seconds remaining.
Then came the real fireworks.
Jamal Murray and Jokic ran the classic pick-and-roll, but instead of Jokic taking the shot, the Suns defense collapsed on him. Enter Christian Braun, standing wide open at the top of the key like a guy forgotten at a surprise party. Swish! Braun drilled a clutch 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds left—the biggest shot of his NBA career.
But wait—someone left Kevin Durant wide open in the corner. Big mistake. Buzzer-beater. Game tied. Overtime.
Jokic Does It All in OT
While regulation ended in drama, overtime belonged to Jokic. The Serbian sensation, Murray, and Braun combined for the first seven points, putting Denver ahead for good. Then came the moment that cemented Jokic’s legendary stat line. With 1:18 left, he dished a perfect pass to Michael Porter Jr. for his 20th assist, securing his historic 30-20-20 triple-double. Just for fun, he added two more dimes, because why not?
Oh, and about that triple-double? He locked it in with 10:22 left in the third quarter—meaning he had an entire quarter and overtime to just pad the numbers. If he plays all 19 remaining games this season, he’s on pace to finish with 39 triple-doubles, which would be just three shy of Russell Westbrook’s single-season record.
Offensive Fireworks: Nuggets Raining Threes
Jokic didn’t do it alone—his teammates couldn’t miss against Phoenix’s bottom-five defense. Aaron Gordon set the tone early, hitting four outside shots in the first six minutes, playing like he had Steph Curry’s shooting coach on speed dial. Denver’s entire rotation caught fire, with all eight players who saw action knocking down at least one 3-pointer.
The final numbers? 21-of-40 from beyond the arc, 45 assists on 57 field goals, and five players scoring 16+ points on 50% shooting or better. The Nuggets were in such a rhythm that even Michael Porter Jr., usually a human flamethrower, was the last to hit a three.
Suns Keep It Close, But Denver’s Firepower Prevails
The Suns didn’t go down quietly. After a scoreless first quarter, Devin Booker exploded for 34 points on 19 shots. At one point, Braun fouled him on a jumper, gifting him a four-point play with 5:13 left, cutting Denver’s lead to 117-112.
Phoenix had their chances, but Michael Malone wasn’t having any more defensive breakdowns. He threw Jokic back in the game early in the fourth, and from that moment on, the Nuggets took control. Jokic’s basketball wizardry, Murray’s clutch plays, and Braun’s unexpected heroics sealed a statement win for Denver.
What’s Next? Chasing Westbrook’s Record
This historic night wasn’t just about the win. Jokic’s 22 assists were a career-high, and he has now recorded 15+ assists in 10 games this season. With 19 regular-season games left, he could very well challenge Westbrook’s all-time triple-double record.
As for the Suns? Kevin Durant will probably have nightmares about that last defensive lapse, but at least he’ll sleep well knowing he drained an ice-cold buzzer-beater. Christian Braun, meanwhile, just became a household name.
For Jokic, though, this was just another day at the office. Ho-hum, just another historic triple-double.
FAQs
Jokic finished with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists, making him the first player in NBA history to post a 30-20-20 triple-double.
Christian Braun hit a clutch 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds left, but Kevin Durant answered with a buzzer-beater to force overtime.
This was his 29th triple-double of the season. If he plays all remaining games, he’s on pace for 39, three shy of Westbrook’s record.
Denver was 21-of-40 from three (52.5%) and assisted on 45 of 57 field goals, showcasing elite ball movement.
Christian Braun (25 points), Aaron Gordon (27 points, seven 3-pointers), and Michael Porter Jr. all stepped up in the win.
Conclusion
Nikola Jokic once again redefined greatness, putting up one of the most ridiculous stat lines in NBA history. With 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists, he continues to prove why he’s the most unique big man to ever play the game. Denver’s offense was on fire, their defense was shaky, but in the end, Jokic’s brilliance outshined everything else.
The Nuggets walk away with a 149-141 OT win, Jokic adds yet another historic feat to his resume, and basketball fans get a game to remember. One thing’s for sure—this won’t be the last time we’re talking about Jokic rewriting history.
