After two initial losses at home, and despite injuries to the starters, the Nuggets finally got the season off to a good start with a 4th victory in a row, the sixth in seven matches. Last night, they won 135-122 against the Heat, and in addition to the 28 points of the returning Jamal Murray, we of course remember the 135th triple-double in his career Nikola Jokic.
Best rebounder and passer in the NBA, the Serbian compiled 30 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds against Bam Adebayo. 11 out of 13 on shots, and in just 27 minutes! He is only the second player in history to sign such a triple-double with such shooting skill (84%). Only Wilt Chamberlain had achieved such a feat in history.
“He wasn't as great as last time, but that's because his performance was historic” smiles Mike Malone. “Tonight, he scored 30 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and delivered 14 assists. At 11 out of 13 on shots. And opposite, it's Miami, a good defensive team. It's Bam Adebayo, a very good defender. This says a lot about Nikola's greatness, and his ability to be effective every night, regardless of his opponent, and regardless of the type of defense. »
An efficient Jokic, but also decisive since it is he who scores the 3-pointer which restores a 13-point lead in “money time” to close the match. And when he is asked about this “greatness”, he is almost embarrassed.
“I see my stats obviously, but I don’t think about them” he repeats. “I know it's not normal, but I'm not normal… But I also know that you have to know how to enjoy this kind of evening, and tonight was a good evening. I also remember that I wasn't good against the Clippers, in the first game against the Thunder, or that I missed a pass against Minnesota. »
