The Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic delivered another signature performance on Tuesday night to lift his team to a 118-102 win over the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals. Jokic finished the contest with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists and managed to make some history in the process.
The game against the Suns was the 10th time that Jokic had double-digits in points, rebounds, and assists in the postseason. With this, he became the center with the most triple-doubles in NBA Playoff history, surpassing legendary Wilt Chamberlain.
Jokic’s 10 triple-double in the playoffs also ranks him at No. 5 for all positions, sharing the position with Larry Bird, Draymond Green, Jason Kidd, and Rajon Rondo.
After the game, Jokic was asked by reporters whether he would like to have a triple-double or a prolific scoring night. The Serbian scored 53 points in Game 4, which was the second-most by a center in NBA Playoffs.
“I mean, to be honest, I just like to win the game,” Jokic responded. “So whatever it takes. I opened the game today; I think really badly; maybe I was forcing it. And then I just slow it down, relax and let the game come to me. It’ll come to me, and that happens.”
The Nuggets now hold a 3-2 lead in the series against the Suns and need just one win to punch their ticket for conference finals. They will have an opportunity to finish the job on Thursday when the two teams meet again for Game 6.
