Nikola Jokic recorded the 85th triple-double of his career in the Nuggets’ win over the Celtics as he scored 30 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out 12 assists.
The reigning two-time NBA MVP is a major part of why Denver is currently sitting atop the Western Conference. His head coach Michael Malone says that he made a promise to himself to not take the Joker for granted.
“I actually said to the players in there – gave Aaron Gordon the defensive player of the game and I said ‘Oh by the way, Nikola got us like 90th triple-double. Big deal’ and guys were cracking up because we’re all becoming so accustomed to it,” Malone said after the game.
“But I promised myself I will never take Nikola and his greatness for granted. He is a phenomenal player, plays the game the right way and makes everybody around him better. And what a joy to coach.”
This season the Serbian superstar is averaging 25.7 points, 10.9 rebound and 9.5 assists in 33.6 minutes per game.
