Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone described Nikola Jokic as "Superman" after his career-best 61-point triple-double against the Minnesota Timberwolves. (More Sports News)
Jokic's 61 points - the most by a player in the NBA this season - were also the most points in a triple-double in NBA history, surpassing Luka Doncic against the New York Knicks in 2022 and James Harden against the Orlando Magic in 2018 (both 60).
He is also the second player to score 60 or more points in a game this season, along with De'Aaron Fox, who scored 60 points, also in a defeat to Minnesota.
The Serbian also ended the 140-139 loss바카라 웹사이트to the Timberwolves with 10 rebounds and 10 assists, with Jokic joining an elite club of NBA players with his display.바카라 웹사이트
In NBA history, there have been 91 60-point games, 7,117 20-rebound games and 237 20-assist games, with Jokic becoming바카라 웹사이트the second player to do all three in a single season, after Wilt Chamberlain in 1967-68.
Jokic played almost 53 minutes in the defeat and did not leave the court at half-time.바카라 웹사이트
"Nikola came up to me after the third quarter and said, 'Coach, I'm good. Leave me in there. I don't want to come out. Let me just keep playing,'" Malone said afterward.
"He was in a good rhythm, obviously,바카라 웹사이트61 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds, 2 steals. The guy is Superman."
Anthony Edwards바카라 웹사이트led Minnesota with 34 points to go along with 10 rebounds and 8 assists. He had 10 points entering the fourth quarter and has scored 25 or more in seven consecutive games against Denver.
And though most of the talk surrounded Jokic after the game, he was quick to laud Edwards for his display.바카라 웹사이트
"He just took off and that's what superstars do and that's why he's a special person and a special player in this league," Jokic said.
Edwards himself took the time to shower praise on Jokic, saying:바카라 웹사이트"Nikola Jokic, he might be the best basketball player that I have ever seen close up, besides myself.바카라 웹사이트
"He is incredible. The MVP race is tough. I don't know. He had 60. That is crazy."
