Why Nikola Jokic’s preposterous 30-20-20 triple-double will echo for eternity

We cannot take Nikola Jokic for granted, folks. The NBA world collectively witnessed something it had never seen before last night: a player recording at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists in a single game. That player: Who else but the Denver Nuggets’ peculiar superstar?

Already a three-time NBA MVP, Joker entered debatably one of the most outstanding performances of his storied career in a 149-141 overtime victory against the Suns on Friday, amassing an incredible 31 points, 21 rebounds and a career-high 22 assists — the most ever by a center.

On the short list of best centers in NBA history, Jokic is averaging a triple-double this season, with his 28.9 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.6 assists per game all ranking in the league’s top three.

What the Heck Did We Just Witness?

Contextualizing historic greatness is challenging. I’ve watched Jokic since his rookie season — from the ups and downs of handing a “fat little point guard” the reins to the offense through multiple MVP award wins and an NBA championship. Yet last night didn’t even feel like one of his five or 10 most dominant outings.

Whether it’s the monstrous 49-14-10 game against the Clippers in January 2022, the insane 46-12-11 at home vs. the Pelicans fewer than two months later, his 46-9-10 “Sombor double” in an instant classic earlier this year in San Antonio or the 30-point triple-double in the Finals, Nuggets Nation has witnessed countless mythical performances from the 30-year-old big man.

And for that, we are all beyond blessed. I mean, seriously, how often does a player accomplish something no one else has in the league’s 75-year history? Seemingly nightly, we, the basketball-watching public, get “Not since Wilt Chamberlain” or NBA-first showings from the player affectionately called “Big Honey.” Hashtag grateful.

Last night, the big fella collected two different triple-doubles in the same game. He completed the first one early in the third quarter and added another in the remainder of the third and fourth quarters and the overtime frame. Like, WTAF?

As the league and its enjoyers watched Jokic in wonder and amazement, not everyone shared the same standpoint on the six-time All-Star’s staggering stat line.

Differing Perspectives on Joker’s Historic Night

Despite dropping a nearly unfathomable stat line lauded by his peers, head coach and the media, the Serbian sensation brushed off his prodigious performance during a postgame interview with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt.

You’ve got to love Jok noting that he’ll reflect on the game one day, sitting on his couch, but resting his body ahead of a tough back-to-back in Oklahoma City remained top of mind. Jokic truly is one of a kind. Just look at what Michael Malone told the media after the game:

“Nikola Jokic is one of one. I mean, the first player to ever have a 30, 20 and 20 game. I can't describe him, so don't ask me to. The guy is just an incredible player, and when you are one of one in this league and the tremendous history of this league, that says a lot. And there’s a lot of good players in this league, but Nikola, in my opinion, is just in a class well by himself.”

After he’s retired, sitting on his couch, surrounded by his family — and horses — will Nikola Jokic sit in that lofty class by himself, as Malone and many others believe? Only time will tell.

But the next time a player records a 30-20-20 game, people will say the feat hasn’t been accomplished since Nikola Jokic did it on March 7, 2025 — and triumphs like that deserve celebration. When others ask if I watched the 31-21-22 Jokic masterpiece, I will proudly tell them that I was fortunate enough to, yes.

We’re all fortunate to witness the momentous artistry of a talent like Nikola Jokic. But his greatness extends far beyond the moment that was last night — games like this one have lasting consequences for fans, for other players, for coaches and for the game of basketball.