CLEVELAND — There are moments when Nikola Jokic does issues on the court docket that appear to defy purpose — virtually magical.
On Thursday, he handed a participant who had the identical exceptional talent.
Denver’s famous person heart moved previous Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and into third place on the profession checklist for triple-doubles by recording his 139th in a 126-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The three-time MVP completed with 27 factors, 20 rebounds and 11 assists. But he missed some simple pictures, and the Nuggets could not defend the Cavs, who made a season-high 22 3-pointers and improved to 20-3.
Jokic trails solely teammate Russell Westbrook (200) and Oscar Robertson (181) on the profession checklist for triple-doubles.
“It’s one thing that you simply’re most likely going to have a look at after you end your profession,” mentioned Jokic, who has 9 triple-doubles this season. “Right now, you do not even give it some thought. But it is an ideal factor. It’s very nice.”
Jokic handed Johnson within the fourth quarter, selecting up his tenth help on a move to Michael Porter Jr., who dropped a 3-pointer from the wing with 3:37 left.
When the sport ended, the personable 7-footer hugged the entire Cavs who have been on the ground and some of Cleveland’s coaches. Once he reached the locker room, Jokic was introduced with a sport ball for passing Johnson.
Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has run out of phrases to explain his celebrated teammate.
“You see it together with his work ethic,” mentioned Murray, who had 19 factors, “His touches proceed to amaze me. He does all the pieces on the court docket with an ideal perspective and has a will to win. What else?”
It was a tough evening for the Nuggets, who had quite a few defensive lapses. Coach Michael Malone was happy to find out about Jokic’s mark, however he shortly turned his focus again on a crew searching for its identification.
“We simply obtained our butts kicked,” Malone mentioned. “Obviously, I like Nikola, and I really feel very lucky to teach a participant together with his expertise and he’ll go down as among the finest to ever do it. I’m joyful to listen to that, I actually am. But I’m a lot extra involved about our crew proper now and the place we’re at.
“It’s not a lot that we misplaced tonight. I knew coming in right here could be a tall order. I simply don’t love how we misplaced and there’s a massive distinction.”
