Nikola Jokic’s HISTORIC career-high performance goes to vain as Nuggets lose to Wizards
Nikola Jokic has been making the headlines as he dropped a monstrous performance against Wizards in the NBA.
Nikola Jokic
The Denver Nuggets most recently played against the Washington Wizards in the NBA. As usual, the Nuggets star man Nikola Jokic was at his best. However, the Nuggets were on the losing side against the Wizards. The Wizards ended their losing streak against an in-form Jokic and his Nuggets side. Notably, it was Jokic who stole the headlines in this match.
Jokic ended with 56 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists on Saturday night against the Washington Wizards. This remains one of the highest stat lines of his NBA career. It was a historic game for Jokic, even though this line was insufficient to win against a Wizards club that had lost 16 straight games going into the contest. Jokic has single-handedly carried the Nuggets’ offense and defense this season.
Also, according to Basketball Reference’s StatHead, Jokic’s performance on Saturday was only the third occasion in NBA history that a player finished a game with 56 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists. The other two examples were Luka Doncic (2022) and Elgin Baylor (1959). Although it is quite early in the season, Jokic has been dropping MVP performances for his side in the league.
Jokić posted HISTORIC numbers for the Nuggets!
— NBA (@NBA) December 8, 2024
? 56 PTS (career-high)
? 16 REB
? 8 AST
? 3 3PM
He's the first player in NBA history to total 55+ PTS, 15+ REB, 5+ AST and 3+ 3PM in a single game. pic.twitter.com/7L0lM1e5bJ
The Nuggets had strong play from Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup and Jokic’s outstanding performance. The 17-year veteran, who filled in for Jamal Murray, finished with 32 minutes of play, seven points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, and four steals. The loss represents some concerns for the Serbian superstar and his team.
Nikola Jokic opens up on loss against the Wizards
The Denver Nuggets have not performed up to their standards since the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. With injuries to their star players, Nikola Jokic has a lot of burden upon himself to deliver every game for his side. The prime of the Serbian superstar looks to be in jeopardy.
Jokic most recently dropped a career-high historic performance in the NBA against the Washington Wizards. Despite this, the Nuggets lost. Jokic was left upset with the loss as he called for a ‘reaction’ from his teammates and staff.
Nikola Jokic on what Nuggets need to see next few games: “A reaction. In my country, where I’m coming from, after this kind of stretch you’re gonna get a paycheck that is a little bit less than you are worth. So maybe that’s what we need to do. Maybe a little motivation that way”
— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) December 8, 2024
On the other hand, Jordan Poole led the Wizards with an incredible 39 points throughout the victory. In his first start of the season, Justin Champagnie contributed 23 points, and Jonas Valanciunas recorded a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. When Washington hosts the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, they will want to extend this winning streak.
Kartik Mudaliar
(857 Articles Published)