Nikola Jokic attempts to become the first player in NBA history to open a season with five consecutive triple-doubles when the Denver Nuggets visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
Jokic matched the record of four shared by Oscar Robertson (1961-62 season) and Russell Westbrook (2020-21) when he had 21 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists on Wednesday as the Nuggets smashed the visiting New Orleans Pelicans 122-88.
The three-time MVP didn’t even take the court in the fourth quarter due to Denver’s large lead. He played 28 minutes.
He also isn’t the least bit concerned about making history against Portland in each team’s first NBA Cup match of the season.
“I’m trying to win games,” said Jokic, who is third all-time with 168 triple-doubles. “I’m not focused on anything.”
Westbrook (203) and Robertson (181) are the only players with more career triple-doubles than Jokic.
After falling to the Golden State Warriors in their season opener, the Nuggets have won three straight games by an average of 23 points.
“The pace we play and the decision-making go into how we control the game,” Denver guard Jamal Murray said. “I’m proud the way we played as a group.”
Murray and Christian Braun each scored 17 points in the easy victory. The Nuggets racked up 40 assists and outrebounded New Orleans 56-36.
“Really good to see,” Denver coach David Adelman said. “I just liked our attitude the whole night.”
For the NBA Cup, the Nuggets and Trail Blazers are in West Group C along with the Warriors, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. Each team faces the others in round-robin play with the group winner automatically advancing.
The championship game is slated for Dec. 16 in Las Vegas.
Portland has won consecutive games but nearly let a huge lead get away in Wednesday’s 136-134 road victory over the Utah Jazz.
The Trail Blazers led 117-98 after three quarters but were outscored 36-19 over the final 12 minutes and narrowly held on.
“I think we should have finished that game in a better way, but it’s what it is,” Portland interim coach Tiago Splitter said. “But in general, we had a good game.”
Jrue Holiday led the way with a season-best 27 points to go with eight assists and five rebounds for the Trail Blazers.
Holiday was acquired from the Boston Celtics in the offseason and he’s off to a strong start with three straight 20-point outings. He is averaging 19.6 points, 7.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds.
Not surprisingly, Holiday was impressed with most of the Utah triumph, particularly seeing the team roll up 33, 46 and 38 points over the first three quarters.
“We got our second wind. They play fast and we know that,” Holiday said of the Jazz. “I think the second quarter started to find our groove on both ends of the floor, especially on defense. And then kind of got in transition and had them scrambling, had them on their heels.”
Portland has played fast all season and scored at least 122 points in all three of its wins.
“I like our identity, I like how we’re playing together, I like how each and every night everybody brings 100% effort,” said forward Deni Avdija, who had 19 points and nine rebounds against Utah. “There is something really special in Portland with this team.”
The teams split last season’s four meetings after Denver won the previous seven matchups.
