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Nuggets' Nikola Jokic Has Done What No NBA Player Has Since 1968

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Brooks | Last updated Jan 24, 2025 11:33 AM ET

The Denver Nuggets' remarkable turnaround from a mediocre team to start the season to being 28-16 has been superb to watch.

Sure, inserting Russell Westbrook into the starting lineup has been a massive spark. The team's core has elevated their play overall.

However, it's been a career year from Nikola Jokic that has made their recent form possible.

Yes, that's right, the three-time MVP winner -- who has captured three of the last four awards -- is having a career season. He's continuing to post even more absurd stat lines while scoring at the best rate during his time in the NBA.

The Serbian superstar is averaging 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds and 10.1 assists per game. Should his averages hold, he will not only average a triple-double for a season in the first time of his career, but he'll achieve the highest average scoring mark in his career.

Nikola Jokic does what hasn't been done in the NBA since 1968

It's hard not to give Jokic the award for the fourth time. Recently, he made a massive statement with his performance, doing something that hadn't been done since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968.

In the Nuggets' recent 132-123 victory over the Sacramento Kings, Jokic posted an absurd 35 points, 22 rebounds and 17 assists.

No player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968 has been able to score more than 30 points, pull down 20 rebounds and add more than 15 assists in a game.

Not only has Jokic been posting his best career numbers, but he's also beating out a historically dominant player in Chamberlain for some key performances, which is more than remarkable.

With the way Jokic has been playing this season, there is no reason to rule out a deep Denver run, especially if his supporting cast can rise to the occasion.

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

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