Nikola Jokic’s 30-20-20 Triple-Double Leads Nuggets to OT 149-141 Win vs Suns/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Nikola Jokic made NBA history by recording the first-ever 30-20-20 triple-double in the Denver Nuggets’ 149-141 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns. The three-time MVP finished with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists, guiding Denver to victory after blowing a 21-point lead. Jokic’s dominant overtime performance lifted the Nuggets, while Kevin Durant’s clutch three forced the extra period. Denver remains a top contender in the Western Conference playoff race as Jokic continues his MVP-caliber season.
Jokic’s Record-Breaking Night: Quick Look
- Historic Performance
- First player in NBA history with a 30-point, 20-rebound, 20-assist triple-double.
- 31 points, 21 rebounds, and a career-high 22 assists.
- Tied Oscar Robertson for most 15-15-15 games in a season (7).
- Game Highlights
- Denver led by 21 points before Phoenix mounted a comeback.
- Kevin Durant’s buzzer-beater three-pointer forced overtime.
- Jokic took over in OT, scoring 5 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.
- Impact on Nuggets’ Season
- Jokic’s 29th triple-double of the season, extending his franchise record.
- Nuggets lead the NBA in assists (31 per game), finishing this game with 38.
- Denver remains a top seed in the Western Conference.
- What’s Next?
- Nuggets face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a two-game stretch.
- Suns take on the Dallas Mavericks in a crucial Western Conference matchup.
Nikola Jokic’s 30-20-20 Triple-Double Leads Nuggets to OT 149-141 Win vs Suns
Deep Look: Jokic’s Record-Setting Night Lifts Nuggets Over Suns
A Performance for the History Books
Nikola Jokic continues to redefine what an NBA center can do. On Friday night, the Denver Nuggets superstar delivered an unprecedented triple-double—the first in NBA history to feature at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists.
“It’s not supposed to go that way,” Jokic said after the game. “I didn’t do anything special, just seemed like everyone was in flow.”
Jokic’s 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists were instrumental in Denver’s 149-141 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns. This marked his 29th triple-double of the season, tying his own franchise record.
How the Game Unfolded
The Nuggets led by 21 points in the third quarter, seemingly in control. But the Suns stormed back, with Kevin Durant sinking a game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime.
Once in OT, Jokic dominated:
- Opened overtime with a floater in the lane.
- Assisted on two Jamal Murray buckets.
- Set up Christian Braun for a dunk and layup.
Denver outscored Phoenix 12-2 in the first three minutes of overtime, sealing the win.
Jokic’s MVP-Caliber Season Continues
The 30-year-old Serbian superstar is averaging a triple-double this season, with:
- 28.9 points per game (3rd in NBA)
- 12.9 rebounds per game (2nd in NBA)
- 10.6 assists per game (1st in NBA)
“He’s just one of a kind,” said teammate Christian Braun. “You’ll never see something like this ever again—ever.”
With 19 games left, Jokic could finish the season averaging a triple-double, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest big men in NBA history.
What’s Next for Denver?
The Nuggets (45-18) remain in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. They travel to Oklahoma City for a two-game set against the Thunder, a potential playoff preview.
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