Nikola Jokic Makes History vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is always making NBA history with his incredible stat lines, and did so again on Thursday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Putting up 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block on 100% shooting in the first half, Jokic joined himself and Pau Gasol as the only two players in NBA history with such a half since the league began tracking such data.

This data is found via Basketball Reference's StatHead, which shows Jokic has achieved this line two other times in a half in his career, whereas the only other instance came from Gasol in 2017.

This combination of production and efficiency is often what separates Jokic from other stars in the league. While he has off nights from the field like anyone else, Jokic is typically very efficient, and was perfect from the floor in the first half of this game.

Memphis ruled Ja Morant out due to an illness shortly before this game began, which unfortunately removed a lot of the intrigue from what would have been a very exciting matchup. With Jokic available and Morant out, Denver had a serious star power advantage from the jump in this game, which showed itself in the first half.

The Grizzlies remain unbeaten with Morant this season, but they were of course without him in this game due to an illness.