Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets tried his hardest on Tuesday night, but his team was still taken down by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The loss hurts, but at least Jokic made history during Game 5.
According to NBA.com/Stats, Jokic became just the eighth player in league history to record 40+ points and 15+ rebounds multiple times during a single postseason.
He joins the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and Bob McAdoo.
Nikola Jokić becomes the 8th player in NBA history to record 40+ points and 15+ rebounds multiple times in a single postseason series joining…
Wilt Chamberlain (4x)
Shaquille O’Neal (2x)
Elgin Baylor (2x)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Hakeem Olajuwon
Charles Barkley
Bob McAdoo pic.twitter.com/M1QwcaYVUk— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) May 14, 2025
On Tuesday, it was 44 points and 15 rebounds for Jokic, along with five assists and two steals.
This was a great showing by Jokic and much better than what he was doing just days before.
Believe it or not, Jokic was in a slump before this game.
His field goal percentage was weak, and he was performing more turnovers than assists.
He looked much more like his regular self during Tuesday’s game, and Nuggets fans are hoping he keeps it that way.
Jokic’s greatness has never been in question, even during his few subpar games.
He is still considered one of the best basketball players alive, and he often has the ability to carry the team on his back.
He did that several times throughout the regular season, but the playoffs have presented a few challenges.
Lately, the Nuggets have looked more cohesive, which has given fans hope, but everyone believes they need a strong Jokic if they want any chance of a title.
Jokic has now made NBA history yet again, which is unquestionably a great thing.
But all NBA fans know that Jokic doesn’t care about that.
Instead, he wants another championship, and, right now, it’s not clear if that’s possible.
NEXT: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals Expectations For Nuggets In Game 6
