Nikola Jokic's Gargantuan Triple-Double Falls Short, Brooklyn Nets Top Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets lost only their sixth home game of the season when they fell to Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, but it wasn't for lack of effort from their big man. Nikola Jokic posted a ridiculous 35 points, 20 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, and two blocks in a thrilling 122-120 loss.

Nikola Jokic became just the third player with 3+ games of at least 35 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists!

The other two: Wilt Chamberlain (11) and Elgin Baylor (3).

BKN outlasted DEN in a thriller. pic.twitter.com/ly79GGF9wc

— NBA (@NBA) March 12, 2023

Jokic hit 14 of 23 field goal attempts and seven of his 10 free throws. It was his NBA-best 27th triple-double of the season. He's averaging an eye-popping 24.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game along with an excellent .699 true shooting percentage over 60 games this season. As ever, he is an advanced stats god: he leads the NBA in player efficiency rating (31.6), win share per 48 (.311), and box plus/minus (13.0).

The loss drops the Nuggets to 46-22, but they still sport an all but insurmountable 5.0 game lead in the Western Conference. Thanks largely to Jokic's dominance, they've earned the opportunity to prioritize their health and stability over the closing stretch of the season. Their only real concern should be preserving Jokic's hold on a third-straight MVP. He remains the favorite, but a lackadaisical finish to the season could allow other players into the conversation.

The Nuggets are back in action Tuesday when they visit the Toronto Raptors.