Nikola Jokic’s historic 61-point triple-double on Tuesday night is generating a lot of buzz, but ESPN analyst Jay Williams is calling attention to something deeper.
Williams took to X to express his thoughts on Jokic’s dominance, which often goes under the radar despite its historical significance.
“If LeBron or Steph dropped 61, 10, and 10 in a game this time of year, we’d shut down the internet,” Williams wrote. “But when Jokic does it, it’s just another night. Why? Because he doesn’t look the part. He’s not flashy. He’s not loud. But make no mistake — skill for skill, he’s already outpacing Shaq, Hakeem, even Kareem.”
“This was one of the greatest performances individually I have ever seen. … You are looking at one of the most gifted, if not the best big men, maybe to ever play the game,” Williams said on ESPN’s Get Up.
Williams’ remarks highlight a recurring theme: Jokic’s brilliance is sometimes overlooked simply because he doesn’t fit the typical “superstar” mold. The three-time MVP has long been known for his understated approach to the game, eschewing the flashy plays and bombastic performances that typically dominate the media cycle.
Jokic’s performance in Denver’s 140-139 double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 61 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists in 52 minutes. His performance marked the third 60-point triple-double in NBA history, solidifying his place as one of the most dominant players in the league today.
The game, which saw 21 lead changes, was a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Jokic played a pivotal role in sending the game into both overtimes, first by tying the game at 112 with clutch free throws in regulation, then later knotting it at 125 with a floater in the first overtime. Despite the Nuggets’ best efforts, including Jokic’s heroics, the Timberwolves ultimately held on to claim victory.
Minnesota’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker was the hero for his team, hitting two clutch free throws with just 0.1 seconds remaining to seal the win. The Timberwolves have now beaten the Nuggets six straight times, including in the playoffs.
Jokic’s performance on the night was nearly flawless. He shot 18-of-29 from the field, including 6-of-11 from three-point range, and his 61 points set a new career high. Despite Denver being without key players Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Jokic still managed to put together one of the most memorable individual performances of the season.
While Jokic’s brilliance was on full display, his efforts were ultimately not enough to secure the win. Aaron Gordon added 30 points, while Christian Braun posted 18 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were led by Anthony Edwards’ 34 points and a strong performance from Rudy Gobert, who contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Williams’ tweet speaks volumes about the perception of Jokic in today’s basketball landscape. The narrative surrounding superstars often focuses on the players who can generate the most attention, whether through highlight-reel dunks or fiery personalities. Jokic, in contrast, doesn’t fit into that mold, and as a result, his historical performances sometimes don’t get the attention they deserve.
However, as Williams points out, Jokic’s skill set is unparalleled. The Serbian center has already surpassed some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in terms of skill and versatility. His ability to impact the game in virtually every facet — scoring, rebounding, and playmaking — has elevated him to a level that few players can match.
