Nikola Jokic recorded his 25th triple-double of the season as Denver came from behind to record a blowout win at Ball Arena last night.
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The Nuggets have had sole possession of the #1 seed out West for over 2 months now. This is the first time in 3 seasons that they have their full complement of stars.
Jamal Murray seems to have come back to his pre-ACL-tear best, judging from how he looks. Michael Porter Jr, who’s had back problems derailing his form all career, also seems to be in good stead.
Aaron Gordon is enjoying the best season of his career, both from an individual standpoint as well as in terms of team success. He’s been one of the most enterprising cutters in the league and has had scores of easy dunks.
To top it off, new additions Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown have been excellent in their roles. KCP is among the league’s most lethal 3-point shooters, while both him and Brown have bolstered their point-of-attack defense considerably.
The cohesion that Denver has displayed while playing off their leader has been phenomenal.
The Nuggets have now won 29 straight games when Nikola Jokic records a triple-double.
The longest streak of all-time… 🤯 (via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/LCEg047faq
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 4, 2023
Nikola Jokic is second only to Wilt Chamberlain for triple-doubles on 70% field goal percentage
Jokic notched up his 101st career triple-double in the Nuggets’ win tonight. Despite taking just 10 shots, he was still Denver’s most influential offensive player.
This was borne out by just how stagnant their offense looked when he was on the bench. Denver couldn’t get a field goal for over 7 minutes in the first half at one point.
Jokic finished with counting stats of 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists on the night. In doing so, he finished with his 22nd career triple-double on 70% shooting. This leaves him 5 shy of Chamberlain at 27.
Most Triple-Doubles on 70% FG
Wilt Chamberlain 27
Nikola Jokic 22
Magic Johnson 12
If lowered to 60% FG pct, Jokic has 18 of this season. That’s 1 shy of tying 1967-68 Wilt for most triple-doubles with 60% FG in a season all-time. @ESPNStatsInfo pic.twitter.com/CMsw2ryQlb— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 4, 2023
Also Read – Kendrick Perkins Outrageously Suggests Nikola Jokic, Dirk, and Nash Won the MVP Because of Being ‘White’
How far can the Nuggets go this season?
Prior to the trade deadline, the Nuggets looked like the best bet to emerge from the Western Conference playoffs. However, with Kevin Durant arriving in Phoenix, the odds have changed significantly.
The Suns are a full 3 games behind the 3rd-placed Sacramento Kings in 4th. With Denver possessing a 5-game lead at the top, it seems these 2 teams are slated to meet in the postseason. That is, if the Suns get past Steph Curry and the Warriors.
The Suns have more firepower, but they’re going to have less time to build chemistry. The core Denver Nuggets have played together for years now, giving them that advantage.
Whoever wins a prospective series between the 2 is almost sure to emerge from the West.
