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Nikola Jokic Makes NBA History in Nuggets vs Hawks

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic made NBA history against the Atlanta Hawks

Joey Linn

Dec 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is amid another historic NBA season. Already a three-time league MVP, Jokic is putting together a strong case to win another one. Entering Sunday, Jokic was averaging 31.4 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 10.3 assists on 56.1 percent from the field and 50.6 percent from three.

After scoring 56 points against the Washington Wizards in a loss on Saturday, Jokic responded with 48 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists in a victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. This was a convincing win for Denver, as Jokic exited with over two minutes remaining, and would have almost certainly tallied another 50-point game had he finished the contest.

This performance from Jokic also made NBA history. Per Basketball Reference’s StatHead, Jokic’s final line of 48 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals has only been achieved four other times in NBA history. One of these instances was by Jokic himself in 2022, two were by his Nuggets teammate Russell Westbrook (2015, 17) and the other was Larry Bird in 1992.

Jokic is averaging nearly 40 points per game in the month of December, adding 15 rebounds and nine assist per contest in those games.

While there are other players putting together incredible seasons, it’s hard to argue against the MVP case Jokic is putting together through the first two months of the season.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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