Nikola Jokic is a statistical anomaly.
He set NBA history Friday when he put up 31 points, 22 assists and 21 rebounds during the Denver Nuggets' 149-141 win over the Phoenix Suns. The Joker's stat-stuffing night marked the first time in NBA history that a player recorded at least 30 points, 20 assists and 20 rebounds in a game. Of course, he was fairly unfazed with the feat.
In addition to the first 30-20-20 game in NBA history, Jokic's 22 assists are the most all-time by a center in a single game, breaking a single-game record set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1968. Jokic has flirted with Chamberlain's 21-assist showing before, most recently with a 19-assist game against the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 24. Just two weeks later, Jokic sets a new career high and takes hold of the NBA record in the process.
Most assists in a single NBA game by a center
When Chamberlain holds a record, it's likely there forever. Jokic may be this era's Chamberlain, though, with his effortless all-around game from the frontcourt.
Jokic also joined Chamberlain and current Nuggets teammate Russell Westbrook as the only players to have 20 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists in a game. Jokic just did it while scoring 30, too, putting himself in his own stratosphere.
Scott Skiles holds the single-game assists record for any player with 30. Westbrook is the active leader—he's had 24 assists in a game, twice. When it comes to the big men, though, Jokic did something that's never been done before, even by Chamberlain.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Nikola Jokic Breaks Longstanding Wilt Chamberlain Record During Historic Game.
