Nikola Jokic Kicks Off 2025 with Historic NBA Achievements

A perfect start to the year for the Denver Nuggets' star duo
The Portuguese legend will continue to play in Saudi Arabia

The star duo of the Denver Nuggets, consisting of 29-year-old Serbian forward Nikola Jokić and 36-year-old American guard Russell Westbrook, set a new record in NBA history. Last night, in a victorious game against the Brooklyn Nets (124:105), both players recorded triple-doubles, becoming the first duo in NBA history to achieve such efficiency more than once in the league.

Jokić posted 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists, while Westbrook finished the game with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. This achievement was remarkable not only for the season but for the entire history of the NBA.

What Is a Triple-Double?

A triple-double is a rare basketball achievement where a player records double-digit numbers in three of five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks, all in one game. For example: 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Triple-doubles require versatility, and Nikola Jokić has mastered this skill. He frequently stands out for his ability not only to score but also to create opportunities for his teammates, defend effectively, and control the ball.

Jokić’s Record-Breaking Triple-Doubles

  • In Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Jokić recorded a unique triple-double: 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists. This was the first time in NBA history a player achieved such numbers in a Finals game. After the game, Jokić commented, “If we had lost, no one would have even mentioned it. Honestly, I don’t care. It’s just stats.”
  • The only player with multiple triple-doubles featuring 30+ points and zero turnovers.
  • Holds the record for the most triple-doubles in a single playoff run (10), surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s 56-year-old record.

Westbrook and Jokić: A Perfect Combination

Interestingly, Russell Westbrook is the all-time NBA leader in triple-doubles achieved alongside teammates, accomplishing this feat four times. His triple-double duos include performances with Paul George (Oklahoma City), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), and Nikola Jokić. For his part, Jokić has now risen to second place on this list, having recorded three such triple-doubles (two with Westbrook and one with Jamal Murray during the 2023 Finals).

Jokić continues to prove that his versatility and consistency make him one of the greatest players of modern basketball. Starting 2025 with yet another impressive record, he sets the tone for another stellar year.

Photo: nuggets/Instagram