Nikola Jokic Makes History On Christmas Day

Nikola Jokic played both the role of Santa and Scrooge on Christmas Day. In the nightcap of the NBA’s five-game schedule, the Denver Nuggets' All-NBA center once again proved why he is currently the best player on the planet, dropping 56 points, grabbing 16 rebounds, and dishing out 15 assists in an overtime thriller against the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

This wasn’t just a regular triple-double; it was the first ever 55/15/15 in league history. This wasn’t the league’s or Jokic’s highest scoring triple-double, as the Serbian big man dropped a 61-point, 10 rebound, 10 assist game last spring against the same Minnesota team. It also wasn’t the first time that Jokic hit the milestone during a Christmas Day game, as he recorded his first in 2022 with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a 128-125 overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns. 

What makes this performance even more impressive is the fact that Jokic managed to outshine Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who had an impressive outing of his own with 44 points, turning the Christmas Day game into an instant classic. While Edwards was spectacular, Jokic was doing everything he could to carry the Nuggets, who were without three of their regular starters, to victory, scoring, creating for teammates, and controlling the glass. It was the ultimate display of why he is arguably one of, if not the, most complete players in the game today. 

Unlike many of his peers, Jokic’s performance came without the chest pounding, flexing, or taunting after every bucket. It was just a 6’11” big man doing what he does best. For the Nuggets, this couldn’t have come at a better time. After losing two of their previous three games, Denver needed the victory to get back on track in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, falling to the third seed behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. 

For NBA fans, a Jokic triple-double is the norm as he continues to etch his name into the record books, making a convincing case for his fourth MVP award. If he keeps playing at this level, conversations about where he ranks not only among the best centers of all time, but also the greatest players in general will certainly have to be adjusted.