Inside The Nuggets

Nikola Jokic Makes Olympics History in Serbia vs. Puerto Rico

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic made Olympics history for Serbia
Joey Linn|
Jul 28, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; Serbia power forward Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the United States during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Jul 28, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; Serbia power forward Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the United States during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. | John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

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Denver Nuggets

After falling to Team USA in their Paris Olympics opener, Serbia picked up a big win over Puerto Rico on Wednesday behind a historic performance from Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Finishing with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, Jokic became the first player in Olympics history to record at least 10 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in a single game.

Statistical history is something Jokic accomplishes on a regular basis at the NBA level, but this is an even bigger accomplishment than many of the unprecedented lines Jokic has posted for the Nuggets since his rise to superstardom.

An elite playmaker out of the center position, Jokic averaged 9.0 assist per game last season, which ranked third in the entire NBA. Across his nine-year NBA career, Jokic is averaging 20.9 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game, and 6.9 assists per game.

Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird is the only other player in NBA history with career averages of at least 20 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and five assists per game.

More importantly than the statistical dominance from Jokic in this game was the win for Serbia. While it was a frustrating loss against Team USA in the opener, Serbia bounced back with a big win to get on the board in the Group Phase.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI 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. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.

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