Nikola Jokic scoring 50 points or more was never enough for the Denver Nuggets to win. Until now.
Jokic showed the most productive result in the tournament NBA this season with 55 points, and the Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 130-116 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight win. In his previous 50-point games, the Nuggets were 0-4.
“It’s a good feeling,” the three-time NBA MVP said.
He tied Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 55 points in double overtime at Indiana on Oct. 23.
Jokic was at his best during Denver's winning streak. He is the first player in NBA history to average a 35-point triple-double while shooting 60% or better over six games. During that time, he is averaging 35.8 points, 12.0 rebounds and 11.0 assists while shooting 73.9% from the field and 55.6% from 3-point range. For the seasonHe's averaging 26.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and 11.3 assists and leads the league in the latter two categories.
The opposing defense threw everything at the Serbian star in a futile attempt to slow him down.
“I think I've seen everything,” he said, “but I think it's difficult. We do put on a lot of plays for me, a lot of different plays.”
Playing for the second straight game, Jokic scored 25 of Denver's 39 points in the first quarter.
“I didn’t open the game very well,” he said. “I think I missed two or three layups and after that I felt good.”
Jokic also played well in back-to-back games last season. His 24-hour rest regimen includes naps during the day between eating avocados, eggs, oatmeal and toast.
“The way he played today is the way he practices when no one is watching,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said. “He prepares for situations like this every day.”
Jokic scored eight points in the second quarter and then came back with 19 points in the third, including two personal streaks of six straight.
“Guys, especially in the fourth quarter, give me the ball,” he said. “I just keep filming.”
Jokic missed the fourth until returning with six minutes remaining. He scored three points and finished his night making 18 of 23 from the field. He failed to add to his league-leading six triple-doubles with six assists. He made 5 of 6 three-pointers and 14 of 16 free throws.
“He was extraordinary,” Adelson said. “It’s one of those performances you won’t forget.”
The Nuggets led by 16 points entering the fourth and extended their lead to 22 points early on.
Adelman said the decision to bring Jokic back to the Clippers was “completely disrespectful.”
“They started putting pressure on us and he's one of our best ball handlers, he's a guy who can knock down the clock, he's one of the best players alive,” the coach said. “It would be stupid of me not to bring back my best players to ensure we win the game.”
