Nikola Jokic surpasses Magic Johnson with monster triple-double performance in loss to Cavs

Denver Nuggets staDenver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has been making the headlines lately after making NBA history in his most recent matchup against the Cavs.r Nikola Jokic has been making the headlines lately after making NBA history in his most recent matchup against Cavs.

Nikola Jokic surpasses Magic Johnson with monster triple-double performance in loss to Cavs

Magic Johnson and Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic continues to have an incredible 2024–25 NBA season, and he achieved yet another significant milestone on Thursday. The three-time MVP recorded his 139th career triple-double with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists in the Denver Nuggets’ 126-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With this performance, Jokic had another historical achievement.

Jokic’s effort moved him to third place on the NBA’s all-time triple-double list, surpassing even the great Magic Johnson. Jokic had impressive numbers going into the game: 30.1 points, 13.0 rebounds, 10.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. In 16 games, he shot 56.4% from the field and 52.2% from three-point range.

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Oscar Robertson (181) will be the next player Nikola Jokic passes if he keeps up with the triple-doubles. Ironically, Russell Westbrook (200), Jokic’s new teammate, is the only player with a higher score than Robertson. As a result, two of the top three players in triple-double history are on the Nuggets’ roster this season. Jokic continues to be one of the most consistent players in the NBA.

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As for his side, the Nuggets, inspired by Jamal Murray, mounted a valiant rally in the second quarter to reduce the deficit to just 4 points following the Cavs’ masterclass in the first quarter. But Nuggets’ problems started to fall apart in the third quarter.

The Cavs extended their lead to 18 points with a 15–6 run and a 10-0 surge in the 3rd quarter. They then regained control and won the game effortlessly after the Nuggets had a late 13-5 run in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 9 points.

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Nikola Jokic makes honest admission regarding Nuggets’ struggles

The Denver Nuggets have not performed up to their standards this season. Despite having the likes of Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray in their side, the Nuggets have failed to perform consistently. In particular, the Nuggets suffered a huge blowout loss against the New York Knicks last month. Nikola Jokic was left upset with this loss and made an honest admission post-game.

It’s always a good punch in the face just to wake up. We are always down 20 at a half… I don’t know [what’s going on]. We don’t warm up, we don’t wake up, or we just don’t play hard enough. I don’t know what it is, but collectively, we need to do a better job.

Nikola Jokic said after the game
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The Nuggets’ recent play begs the issue of whether they can compete with the deeper, more dynamic teams in the Western Conference, even though the season is still early. The challenge is difficult for Nikola Jokic. He must inspire a lackluster supporting cast and continue to deliver an MVP-caliber performance. It remains to be seen how Jokic and Co. perform in their upcoming matchups this season.