In a stellar performance, Nikola Jokić achieved his third consecutive triple-double and his 18th of the season as the Denver Nuggets triumphed over the Orlando Magic with a score of 113–100 on Sunday.
Jokić’s impressive stat line included 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, along with three blocks and three steals. LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is the closest player to Jokić in triple-doubles this season, with eight to his name.
With 18 triple-doubles this season, Jokić now holds the fourth-highest season total in that category in his career. He is on track to match his third-highest season total from 2021–22 with his next triple-double. His career-best for triple-doubles in a season stands at 29, achieved during the 2022-23 season. The NBA record for most triple-doubles in a season is 42, set by Russell Westbrook (who is now Jokić’s teammate) in the 2016–17 season.
After the Sunday game, the Nuggets have 40 games left in their regular-season schedule. While Westbrook’s record may be out of reach for Jokić, achieving a new career-high in triple-doubles this season is a plausible goal.
Christian Braun contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets, who now boast a 26-16 record and hold the fourth seed in the competitive Western Conference. Jamal Murray chipped in with 19 points, followed by Michael Porter Jr.’s 15. Denver has secured victories in six of their last seven games and seven of the last 10.
On the other hand, the Magic suffered their third consecutive loss on Sunday, marking seven defeats in their last 10 games. They have slipped to the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing the Atlanta Hawks by just half a game and leading the Miami Heat by the same margin.
Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Anthony Black provided 14 points off the bench. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Tristan da Silva each scored 12 points.
The Nuggets will return home after their two-game Florida trip to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. However, the anticipated showdown between Jokić and Joel Embiid will not take place as the Sixers’ center is sidelined due to swelling in his left knee. Orlando, on the other hand, will travel to Toronto for a Tuesday matchup with the Raptors.