Nikola Jukic made history tonight (Thursday-Friday), during Denver's 109: 122 win over Memphis, which secured the Nuggets a spot in the NBA playoffs.
The Serbian chin scored 35 points, picked up 16 rebounds, handed out 6 assists and also added 5 steals - making him the first player in NBA history to record over 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season.
"I really love the Denver Nuggets fans"
Nikola Jokic shares his appreciation for the @nuggets fans as they shower him with cheers.
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/T3cI8gEuIx
- NBA (@NBA) April 8, 2022
"This guy is just good at basketball," complimented his teammate Bones Highland.
"There's not even competition for the MVP," added Nuggets coach Michael Malone.
"There are other great players, I'm not saying no. But what Nikola Jokic is doing this season, with this team, with everything we've been through, it's just unbelievable. He was good last season and he's even better this season."
Although stars Jamal Marie and Michael Porter Jr. were missing, the Nuggets secured a place among the top six in the West and avoided the play-off battle, thanks to another outstanding display by the incumbent MVP.
They can still finish first in the Northwestern home with a win over the Lakers on Sunday, plus two losses for Utah, which will end the season against Phoenix and Portland.
Jukic receives treatment to stop bleeding, Photo: AP
Jukic's stunning performance was unharmed despite suffering an elbow inside in the first minutes of the game, and had to play with a bandage tied over his head to stop the bleeding.
"I look good, but I'm not going to let you see me twice like that," Jukic said when asked if he would continue to play with the red ribbon on his head.
As for whether he deserves to win the MVP title again this year, Jukic claimed he had an even better season than last season, but there are 20 other superstars in the league besides him.
"If it's enough, it's enough. If not, it's already beyond my control," the Joker said.
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