Nikola Jokic became the first centre in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season during Denver’s 117-109 win over Memphis.
His fourth assist on 11 April 2025 took him to 700 for the campaign and guaranteed a double-figure average, joining Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook in an exclusive group.
Jokic reaches the mark before half-time
Jokic found Christian Braun for a layup with 52.4 seconds left in the second quarter. That pass ensured he could not fall below 10 assists per game.
He finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds and 13 assists for his 34th triple-double of the season. With one game left, he was averaging 29.8 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.3 assists.
“I don’t know what to say. It’s good,” Jokic said when asked about the achievement.
Historic season strengthens MVP case
Robertson first averaged a triple-double in 1961-62. Westbrook did it four times and was Jokic’s teammate in Denver.
Jokic had already won three MVP awards in four seasons. Interim coach David Adelman said that if he lost the 2024-25 vote, it would be the greatest season ever not to win.
Denver closes late to beat Memphis
The Nuggets trailed by 15 in the first half and were six down at the break. They finished on a 14-1 run to win their first home game since firing Michael Malone.
Aaron Gordon led Denver with 33 points, while Jamal Murray returned from a hamstring injury. The comeback moved the Nuggets to 49-32 and kept them in control of a top-six playoff place.
