Only three players in all of NBA history have won the MVP award three consecutive times.. Don’t be surprised if Nikola Jokic manages to be fourth. Despite shaping up to be one of the most competitive races we’ve ever seen and the inevitable voter fatigue, the Nuggets star’s argument continues to stand out. In the (surprising) defeat against the San Antonio Spurs by Gregg Popovich (128-120), the Serbian once again stood out above the rest.
Nikola recorded a new triple-doublethe twenty-sixth of the season, with 37 points (14-24 in TC, 4-6 in T3), 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Thus, Nuggets lose season opener as Jokic records triple-double. They were 25-0 before the game. An atrocity.
And this piece of information from StatMuse isn’t bad either: the Serbian surpasses Wilt Chamberlain as the center with the most games of +10 assists in a season. A historic milestone only within reach of the two-time NBA MVP. The path to a third straight win is pretty clear: Jokic continues to put up all-time numbers.
Despite this, the loss in San Antonio is an undeniable reality. Great match for the locals against some Nuggets that did not show the offensive chorality that they are used to. Jamal Murray, with 24 points (9-21 in TC, 2-8 in T3), seven assists and six rebounds was the ‘Joker’s’ main squire. Only two other players (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Aaron Gordon) score +10 points.
The pride and dignity of the Spurs
After registering 22 consecutive defeatsGregg Poppovic’s team adds three wins in the last five games: Utah, Pacers and now, Denver. A much better team than its record (17-49) might lead one to think. The Spurs had an unusual attacking success: 51-94 in TC (54.3%) and 13-33 in T3 (39.4%). A huge third quarter, 42-29, made believe a team that a few weeks ago was crawling through the league halls.
Keldon Johnson driving to the basket against Aaron Gordon
Keldon Johnson, with 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists, was the leader on the local side. Very well accompanied by Doug McDermottwho was impeccable from the perimeter (4-4 in T3). Jeremy Sochan He also contributed his bit with 19 points (9-16 in TC) and eight rebounds. In addition, he from another very solid game on the defensive side.
The surprise guest of the night was Sandro Mamukelashvili. The Georgian, who only played 12 minutes, signed a very correct game: 11 points (4-5 in TC), four rebounds and two assists.
