Nikola Jokić was at the forefront of the Denver Nuggets’ 149-141 overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday, March 7, as he recorded a historic stat line. The Serbian basketball star became the first NBA player to record a triple-double with at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists.
Nikola Jokić Makes History Against Phoenix
Jokić was at his relentless best, finishing the night with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and a career-high 22 assists to lead Denver to the overtime win. He shot 13 of 22 from the field, 3 of 7 from 3-point range, and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line.
He also had three steals, four turnovers, and three fouls in 44 minutes. The performance marked his 29th triple-double of the season and the 149th of his career.
BREAKING—NIKOLA JOKIC WITH THE FIRST EVER 30-20-20 GAME.
UNREAL pic.twitter.com/W5WT6cMHm5
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 8, 2025
Jokić’s Friday night performance also marked the seventh time this season he has recorded at least 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a game. He is now tied with Oscar Robertson (1961-62) for the most such games in a single season and could surpass him in the coming games.
Jokić also became the first center in NBA history to dish out 22 assists. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone praised his star player, saying Jokić “is in a class by himself.”
“Nikola Jokić is one of one,” Malone said. “I mean, the first player to ever have a 30, 20, and 20 game. I can’t describe him, so don’t ask me to. The guy is just an incredible player, and when you are one of one in this league, with the tremendous history of this league, that says a lot. And there’s a lot of good players in this league, but Nikola, in my opinion, is in a class by himself.”
Malone also addressed the criticism of Jokić’s defense, pointing to his performance against Phoenix as evidence of his defensive abilities.
“It got to a point where they ran so many pick-and-rolls, and Nikola’s positioning was so effective,” Malone said. “Their guards and forwards started saying, ‘Don’t play pick-and-roll. I’d rather play one-on-one than deal with two defenders all over me.’
“That’s a credit to Nikola being up and being active. … Everybody says he can’t defend, but we all know that’s not true. The guy’s a hell of a defender. I think you saw everything on full display tonight.”
Jokić is averaging career highs in points (28.9), assists (10.6), steals (1.8), and 3-point shooting (43.9%) while ranking third in the NBA in rebounds (12.9).
He is in a two-way race with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the NBA MVP. After his performance against the Suns, some might argue that Jokić is now the front-runner for his fourth MVP award.