Nikola Jokic delivered yet another mesmerizing performance on January 23, 2025, as he led the Denver Nuggets to a 132-123 victory over the Sacramento Kings, marking his fifth consecutive triple-double before the end of the fourth quarter. The Serbian superstar finished the night with 35 points, 22 rebounds, and 17 assists, rendering himself as the focal point of the game amid roaring excitement at Ball Arena.
Jokic's historic triple-double was not just significant for its numbers, but also for its rarity. He became the sole player to achieve five consecutive triple-doubles before the fourth quarter since the 1995-96 season, boasting the highest number of triple-doubles this season with 20, 14 of them recorded before the final frame. The victory propelled the Nuggets' record to 26-12 this season whenever Jokic steps onto the court.
During the game, the Nuggets quickly established dominance, leading the Kings by as many as 25 points entering the fourth quarter, largely due to Jokic's impressive play and the second-quarter turnaround where they held Sacramento to just 21 points. According to Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who recognized Jokic's effort, "Just another historical performance from a great player." The achievement was one for the history books, drawing comparisons to NBA legends.
One of the standout moments from the game came at the end of the third quarter, when Jokic wowed the crowd with what some are dubbing the 'shot of the season.' After Kings guard De'Aaron Fox hit a three-pointer, Jokic received the inbound pass and, with only two seconds left on the clock, launched a spectacular one-handed shot from 66 feet away, ensuring the Nuggets closed out the quarter with flair. "It was, of course, a lucky shot," Jokic modestly stated, reflecting his typical self-effacing demeanor.
Throughout the match, Jokic flirted with triple-double statistics, even achieving his 149th career triple-double with just over five minutes left in the third. His performance exemplified efficiency and determination, as he had dedicated efforts across all aspects of the game. While celebrated for his scoring, Jokic also noted, "If no one’s ever done it … I’m just going to say historical," acknowledging the significance of his contributions.
Despite the Nuggets’ substantial lead, the Kings brought pressure down the stretch, scoring 14 consecutive points to pull within range, igniting tension as Jokic was forced to return to the game before the eight-minute mark of the fourth quarter. While the Kings did not win, their grim fight showed their resilience, overcoming tough odds against Denver’s formidable roster.
Alongside Jokic's brilliance, other Nuggets players stepped up — Christian Braun scored 21 points and Michael Porter Jr. added 20 to bolster the team's efforts. The collective push helped secure the win, reinforcing the depth of the Nuggets lineup and their ability to perform even under high stakes.
For the Kings, DeMar DeRozan led with 24 points, and Domantas Sabonis put forth significant stats of 23 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 assists, keeping the opposition on their toes. Their earlier victories this season were commendable, yet they fell short against the spirited Denver team. The defeat marked the Kings’ third loss since hiring Doug Christie as interim head coach, and though chinks appeared, their fight back was commendable.
Jokic’s show-stopping performance not only pleased the franchise and fans but also emphasizes his determination for improvement as Malone highlighted, “He’s never satisfied. He’s hungry. He’s determined. We want to be...better.” With the game now behind them, the Nuggets prepare for their five-game road trip starting against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Reflecting on his successful night, Jokic noted, "I think this is the best basketball of my life...” summing up the mood and potential as he continues to shine brightly amid growing expectations. His skills not only traverse traditional basketball barriers but also inspire legions of fans and inspire teammates to rise to the occasion.