Nikola Jokic had 31 issues, 21 rebounds and a career-high 22 assists because the Denver Nuggets outlasted the Phoenix Suns 149-141 in additional time Friday night time after shedding a 21-point lead.
Jokic changed into the primary NBA participant with a triple-double of a minimum of 30 issues, 20 rebounds and 20 assists. He tied his crew document along with his twenty ninth triple-double of the season, stretching his profession general to 149. It used to be additionally the 7th time this season that Jokic had a minimum of 15 issues, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a recreation, tied with Oscar Robertson (1961-62) for essentially the most in a season in NBA historical past.
Jokic’s 22 assists had been an NBA document for a middle.
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“Nikola Jokic is considered one of one,” Nuggets trainer Michael Malone stated. “I imply, the primary participant to ever have a 30, 20 and 20 recreation. I will’t describe him, so do not question me to. The man is simply an implausible participant, and when you find yourself considered one of one on this league and the super historical past of this league, that claims so much. And there may be a large number of excellent gamers on this league, however Nikola, personally, is simply in a category neatly by means of himself.”
Aaron Gordon made a career-high seven 3-pointers and had 27 issues for Denver. Kevin Durant scored 29 issues for Phoenix, hitting a 3-pointer on the buzzer to ship the sport into additional time.
Jokic opened the additional length with a floater within the lane to spark a 7-0 run. The Nuggets led by means of 11 after Christian Braun’s dunk and layup with 51 seconds left.
3 nights after overcoming a 23-point deficit to overcome the LA Clippers 119-117 at house, the Suns trailed 85-64 within the 3rd and lower it to 102-91 heading into the fourth. They went forward 122-120 within the ultimate minute, however Denver replied and took a 125-122 lead on Braun’s 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds left.
Devin Booker scored 16 of his 34 issues for the Suns within the fourth quarter however used to be scoreless in additional time. Mason Plumlee had 18 issues and 11 rebounds.
ESPN Analysis and The Related Press contributed to this document.
