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In a must win game for the Denver Nuggets, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic delivered when they needed him most. Jokic lead the Nuggets in their 125-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves with 27 points, 14 assists, and 16 rebounds.
Nikola Jokic tonight:
27 points 12 rebounds 16 assists 60% FG
The Nuggets are now the FAVORITES to win the series 👀
3-1 comeback loading?
Aside from tonight, Jokic’s first-round performance hasn’t been up to par with his typical in-game dominance, leaving the Nuggets to fall to the Wolves 3-1 after taking Game 1 in Denver. The Nuggets need to outlast the Timberwolves in one more game in Minnesota, before heading back to their home court in Denver.
With Anthony Edward’s injury potentially leaving him out for the remainder of the series, it gives the Nuggets more than just a fighting chance.
With the Joker’s breakout performance keeping the Nuggets alive for at least one more game, it also added to stat-sheet history. Jokic’s impressive stat sheet marked his 221st career triple-double, tying former teammate Russell Westbrook on the all-time leaderboard.
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Nikola Jokic Sits Atop NBA Triple-Double Leaderboard With Ex-Teammate Russell Westbrook
Nikola Jokic achieved his record-breaking triple-double shortly into the second half of Game 5. The center’s impressive feat tied his former teammate, Russell Westbrook, for the most career triple-doubles in NBA history.
With that last defensive rebound, Nikola Jokic has tied Russell Westbrook for the most career triple-doubles when the regular season and playoffs are combined. Both have 221.
In the regular season however, Westbrook edges out Jokic 209 to 198. Jokic however sits behind Los Angeles Lakers Lebron James for playoff triple-doubles. James has 26, while Jokic is creeping up closely at 23.
McKenna Van Gundy McKenna Van Gundy is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com. She spent two years as a sports contributor for her University's newspaper, covering games and writing feature stories on players and coaches. She currently works for the NFL as a digital programming associate and lives in the greater Los Angeles area. More about McKenna Van Gundy