NBA world stunned by Nikola Jokic’s never seen before piece of history

Basketball fans couldn’t quite believe what they were watching as a three-time MVP produced something the NBA has never seen.

Nikola Jokic has done something no man ever has in NBA history.

The Denver Nuggets superstar was at his dominant best against the Phoenix Suns as they recorded the 149-141 win in overtime.

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Jokic was an unstoppable force for the Nuggets as he equalled his career-high tally of triple-doubles for a season with his 29th.

But that wasn’t enough for the three-time MVP as he finished the contest with an outrageous 31 points, 21 rebounds and 22 assists.

It marked the first time ever a player has scored more than 30 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists in a single game in NBA history.

Watch the moment Jokic etches his name into the record books in the video player above

Nikola Jokic makes insane NBA history

The truly absurd display from the Nuggets big man left those watching on in disbelief as the basketball community went into meltdown.

The NBA wrote on X: “NIKOLA JOKIĆ IS TRULY SOMETHING SPECIAL.”

ESPN’s Tim Legler said: “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Legion Hoops wrote: “Nikola Jokic masterclass. Absolute insanity.”

Mark Gottlieb added: “A 30-20-20 game in the #NBA is absolutely bonkers. I know SGA has been incredible this year but it feels like the only reason Jokic isn’t $1.01 to be MVP is because he’s won it ‘too many’ times before.”

NBA content creator Carson Breber added: “Greatest offensive player ever. Greatest offensive season ever. Cannot become numb to the player that we are witnessing.”

Nuggets coach Michael Malone said following the game: “I can’t describe him, so don’t ask me to. When you’re 1 of 1 in this league, with the great history of this league, that says something.”

As the world lost its mind over the outrageous feat, Jokic was playing down the display as he turned his attention to the Nuggets’ upcoming schedule.

“It’s gonna be nice when I finish my career and on my couch and I had a really good game. Right now we have a back to back in 2 days,” he said on ESPN.

Jokic was as nonchalant as ever after the historic display. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

ELSEWHERE AROUND THE NBA

The Cleveland Cavaliers staged a dramatic late rally to stretch their unbeaten streak to 13 games with a nailbiting 118-117 over the lowly Charlotte Hornets.

Charlotte, buoyed by a stellar 46-point display from Miles Bridges, looked ready to score a massive upset after opening up a nine-point lead with just over five minutes remaining.

But Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland, who this week became the first team to punch their ticket to the postseason, rallied superbly to claw their way back into the game.

A sensational Evan Mobley three-pointer tied it for the Cavs at 106-106 with just over two minutes remaining, before Donovan Mitchell put the Cavs into a winning position with six straight free throws.

Mitchell and the Cavs remain the team to beat. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/AFP

Mitchell led the scoring for Cleveland with 24 points while Darius Garland finished with 20 and Mobley 19 as the Cavs improved to 53-10. Cleveland lead the East by eight games.

Bridges almost single-handedly inspired Charlotte to what would have been a remarkable upset. Only two other Hornets players finished with double figures as Charlotte fell to 14-48 to remain one place off the bottom of the table.

Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said his team’s determination to dig out victory augured well for the looming playoff campaign.

“Thirteen in a row - I think yes, we’re in a good groove,” Atkinson said. “We’ve had to scratch and claw these last couple of games, which is great for playoff prep – playing in some tight games and having to execute at the end of the game.

“Our group’s in a really good place. It did feel like our energy was a little bit down, but when our energy’s high it’s really tough to beat us.”

- with AFP

Originally published as NBA world stunned by Nikola Jokic’s never seen before piece of history