LOS ANGELES – Nikola Jokic joined rare NBA company with a 40-point, 27-rebound, 10-assist triple-double for the Denver Nuggets in a 119-115 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday (Monday, Manila time).
Jokic showed all the skills that saw him scoop the last two NBA Most Valuable Player awards, and became the first player to record at least 40 points, 25 rebounds and 10 assists in a game since the great Wilt Chamberlain in 1968.
"What he does is just amazing every night," said Nuggets coach Michael Malone, whose team needed everything Jokic gave them to get past the tenacious Hornets.
Denver led by 10 after his 3-pointer with 6:45 to play, but the Hornets were just two back after P.J. Washington's dunk with 13.5 remaining.
Jokic made a pair of free throws to seal the win and cap his 81st career triple-double.