We take it for granted that Nikola Jokic always plays well (the opposite doesn’t exist), but even in his case there are evenings in which his basketball reaches the basketball Olympus. The last one, receiving Charlotte Hornets, was one of them.
The two-time NBA MVP pulled off his entire repertoire of tricks against North Carolina’s to put in a game-historic 40 points, 27 rebounds and 10 assists in 40 minutes of play. It was a show that helped Denver win 119-115 and place third in the Western Conference with 18-11. Little else to say. Have fun.
Jokic’s numbers are spectacular on their own, but in context they shine even more. Since yesterday evening, the Serbian has become the only player since 1968 who has put together 40 points, 25 rebounds and 10 assists. Who did it first? Well Wilt Chamberlain, who did it four times, the last one on March 18, 1968 with Philadelphia who reached 53 points, 32 rebounds and 14 assists.
The center dazzled historically and, of course, fixed the game against the Hornets. In an even match, he was the thermometer for his team and sealed the victory with two free throws with 13 seconds left. Michael Malone cannot say enough about the tremendous work of his student.
“I didn’t know it was going to be a 40-27-10 night, but I knew I was experiencing another stellar performance from Nikola Jokic. And it’s not just Nikola. It’s about his ability to improve each of his teammates. Yes, Nikola is a generational talent,” says the head coach of the Nuggets.
After Malone’s words, the rest of the team highlighted Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s 20 points and Aaron Gordon’s 19. Jamal Murray didn’t have his best night and was in just six goals.
Eighth consecutive loss for Charlotte
So it is. The free fall of the Hornets continues. Despite having recovered LaMelo Ball, those of North Carolina are unable to get back on track in a campaign that already seems lost; not in vain they are last in the Eastern Conference with 7-23. Last night, despite not giving up until the last moment, the end result hit them once again with the harsh reality.
In terms of individual performance, Ball was his best, posting 31 points, five rebounds and five assists. Nor was Kelly Oubre Jr. bad with 16 points and Gordon Hayward with 15.
(Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
