Nikola Jokic has crossed a statistical threshold not even the great Wilt Chamberlain has touched. As the reigning MVP, Jokic became the first player in NBA history to compile 2.000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season, as a 122-109 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies clinched a playoff berth on Thursday.
Jokic’s monster outing took place after he received an inadvertent elbow from Jaren Jackson Jr. to the right forehead and temple, that drew blood in the opening minute of the contest.
After having to go to the bench twice to treat the wound, Jokic wore a red headband for the remainder of the game, as he assisted the Nuggets over a less than stellar beginning to avoid a season sweep versus the Grizzlies.
The rest was literally NBA history. Jokic secured the record with just over five minutes left, driving to the hole, before spinning and looping a shot, with the ball bouncing once off the rim before falling in.
The home crowd at Ball Arena went wild as a subsequent timeout was called, allowing them to rejoice in the history-making centers moment. They gave Jokic a standing ovation with chants of M-V-P.
“I’m gonna remember that probably my whole life,” Jokic told reporters after the game. “I just love how they [the fans] treat me, how they’re really on my side. I just love Nuggets fans … they’re always bringing the energy that we need.”
Jokic’s achievement will only enhance his MVP case following a fantastic end to the regular season. The Serb has averaged 38 points, 17.5 rebounds and six assists per game in April, building on a 29.9ppg, 12.7rpg and 7.9apg average through March, which included a dazzling 46-point triple-double to almost single-handedly drag his team to victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jokic is averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists while shooting 33.7 percent from three-point range this season. The Nuggets center also ranks in the top 10 in points, rebounds and assists.
As far as his coach Michael Malone is concerned, the defense of his title is not up for discussion.
“The MVP isn’t even a competition,” Malone said in his postgame press conference. “There’s other great players. I’m not saying they’re not great players. But what Nikola Jokic has done this year — with this team — everything we’ve had to go through, is just incredible. “He was good last year and he’s even better this year.”
This victory helped the Nuggets seal a top-six spot in the Western Conference playoffs, dropping the Minnesota Timberwolves to the seventh position and the play-in tournament beginning April 12.
Jokic got a game ball from the Nuggets as a keepsake of his historic night, but he joked the trainers would probably sell his blood-soaked headband on eBay.
