Nikola Jokic makes history in Nuggets' Game 5 win over Suns

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Nikola Jokic makes NBA playoff history in Nuggets' Game 5 win over Suns

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 5/10/23

The legend of Nikola Jokic continues to grow, and after Game 5 of the Denver Nuggets' second-round playoff series with the Phoenix Suns, he now finds himself in the history books as well. Jokic, who logged 38 minutes in the 118-102 win over the Suns to help give the Nuggets a 3-2 series lead, did a bit of everything and logged yet another triple-double.

But this triple-double had a bit more meaning from a historical standpoint, as his stat line of 29 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists gave Jokic his 10th career playoff triple-double, the most for any center.

Centers with the most career triple-doubles in the playoffs:

Nikola Jokic: 10
Wilt Chamberlain: 9
Bill Russell: 3 pic.twitter.com/v0R559YNgi
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) May 10, 2023

It was a stellar showing from Jokic, who nearly averaged a triple-double during the regular season, posting marks of 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists. The 28-year-old big man has been superb in the series against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns, averaging 35 points, 13.8 rebounds and 10 assists through five games. His totals are also historic.

Nikola Jokic (175 PTS, 69 REB, 50 AST) is the 1st player in Playoff history to total 175+ points, 65+ rebounds and 50+ assists over a 5-game span. pic.twitter.com/P94iYrRnWm
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 10, 2023

The Nuggets now find themselves just one win away from the Western Conference finals, which they haven't been to since the 2019-20 season. Prior to that, the Nuggets had made it out of the first round of the playoffs just one time since the 2008-09 season.

Jokic has played at an MVP-caliber level throughout both the regular season and playoffs, and if it continues, the Nuggets are going to be a tough team to beat. As it stands, following the win over the Suns on Tuesday night, the Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers are tied for the best chance to win the NBA title this season at +300, according to Caesars.

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