Jokic Makes NBA History
Nikola Jokic posted the first 23 PTS / 17 REB / 14 AST statline in NBA history during Denver's 121-127 loss to OKC on Feb 28. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 36 points in 34 minutes upon return, while Jamal Murray scored 39 points with clutch threes in the thriller.
The game was a tense, physical battle that required an overtime period to decide a winner, with the Thunder ultimately prevailing 127-121. The matchup featured multiple technical fouls and the ejection of Thunder forward Luguentz Dort for a flagrant foul on Jokic, which led to a shoving match. Reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did not play in overtime, having reached his minutes restriction in his first game back after a nine-game absence due to an abdominal strain. Despite sitting out the extra period, he was instrumental in forcing it, while OKC outscored Denver by five in the overtime session to secure the victory. The contest was a crucial Western Conference showdown, and the win allowed the first-place Thunder to maintain their two-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs. The two teams have a recent history, with the Thunder having eliminated the Nuggets 4-3 in the previous season's Western Conference semifinals. While Jokic and Murray had monster offensive nights, other players made key contributions. Thunder center Chet Holmgren posted a double-double with 15 points and a career-high 21 rebounds. For the Nuggets, Christian Braun also scored 23 points and made a critical block on Gilgeous-Alexander near the end of regulation.
