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Nikola Jokic Makes NBA History During Nuggets Game
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic Makes NBA History During Nuggets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Max Escarpio  |  Last updated Apr 11, 2025 11:50 PM ET

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are heading into the postseason after one of the most shocking coaching moves the league has ever seen. 

This week, less than two calendar years since winning an NBA championship, Denver fired head coach Michael Malone. 

On Friday, the team played without Malone, having interim head coach David Adelman leading the way. 

During their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, which ended in a 117-109 win for Denver, Jokic earned a historic feat. Once the season ends, Jokic will officially become the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double. 

He'll join Russell Westbrook, who did it four times, and Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to accomplish the feat. 

Heading into the matchup against Memphis, Jokic was averaging 29.8 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game, ranking in the top three in the league in all three major statistical categories. 

The Nuggets center is vying for the MVP award, mainly battling Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the hardware. For the season, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged a league-leading 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. 

Jokic and the Nuggets will finish the season on Sunday against the Houston Rockets at 3:30 p.m. ET. 

The Rockets are No. 2 in the Western Conference standings with a 52-28 record entering their matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. 

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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