In a historic performance, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic recorded the league’s first-ever triple-double with at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 149-141 overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. Jokic finished the game with 31 points (13-of-22 shooting), 21 rebounds, and a career-high 22 assists, also setting an NBA record for the most assists by a center in a single game.
This performance also marked Jokic’s 29th triple-double of the season, tying his own Denver Nuggets single-season record. It was the 149th triple-double of his career, further cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile players in NBA history.
His historic performance was crucial in preventing what would have been an embarrassing loss for Denver against the 29-34 Suns. The Nuggets led by as many as 21 points in the third quarter, but a Phoenix comeback—capped by a Kevin Durant buzzer-beater—forced overtime and nearly cost them valuable ground in the race for the second seed in the Western Conference.
Jokic dominated in overtime, scoring or assisting on seven of Denver’s eight field goals during the extra period. Overall, Jokic was directly involved in 35 of the team’s 57 made field goals and accounted for nearly half of their 43 rebounds. He also added three steals to his stat line, showcasing his all-around impact.
This season, Jokic has been in peak form, averaging career highs in points (28.8), assists (10.4), steals (1.8), and three-point shooting (43.9%), while ranking third in the NBA in rebounds per game. Despite winning three MVP awards with less impressive numbers, Jokic remains somewhat overlooked in this year’s MVP conversation, trailing behind Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the eyes of many analysts. However, performances like Friday’s serve as a reminder of his dominance and versatility on the court.
31 POINTS.
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
21 REBOUNDS.
22 ASSISTS.
THE FIRST-EVER 30+ PT, 20+ REB, 20+ AST GAME IN NBA HISTORY 🚨
NIKOLA JOKIĆ IS TRULY SOMETHING SPECIAL. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/I982bZePiF
NIKOLA JOKIĆ A CAREER-HIGH 22 ASSISTS 👀
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
Part of the first-ever 30-20-20 game in NBA history.
What a brilliant performance from a brilliant player. pic.twitter.com/79FWBW3eJD
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