The Denver Nuggets made easy work of the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, defeating the short-handed LA crew 122-109.
Jamal Murray had a stellar performance for the Nugs with 34 points and 7 rebounds, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was good for 16 and Bruce Brown continued to have a great year with his 15.
But once again Nikola Jokic was the most pivotal part of the top team in the West.
Nikola Jokic is the first player in NBA history to record 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 15+ assists in a game while shooting 100% from the field. pic.twitter.com/pc1VowHbNY
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) January 10, 2023
The two-time, back-to-back MVP scored 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 16 assists – yet another triple-double.
Jokic’s brilliant performance was impressive for another reason: he is now the first player in NBA history to record 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 15+ assists in a game while shooting 100% from the field.
This is another reason why Jokic is clearly one of the greatest players alive.
As Jokic continues to thrive in 2022-23, more and more people are beginning to believe that the Nuggets might really have a chance at the Finals.
In previous years, they have struggled in the playoffs and haven’t come close to being the top seed.
But they are looking more solid, competitive, and fearsome than they have in many seasons.
They have also been beating some very tough teams, proving that they have rightfully earned their position at the top of the West.
Jokic has already had a jaw-dropping career but he has always had one goal that sat above the others: winning the Finals.
That simply wasn’t possible in previous seasons but the team is functioning very well this year and that could actually be achieved.
Even if it doesn’t happen, this season has cemented Jokic as possibly the best big man in a generation.
NEXT: The Nuggets Are Proving The Critics Wrong