Inside The Suns

Suns React to Nikola Jokic Making NBA History

Jokic became the first player in NBA history with a 30-20-20 statline against Phoenix.
Brendan Mau|
Mar 7, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) defends on Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) defends on Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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Phoenix SunsDenver Nuggets

PHOENIX -- Nikola Jokic did something that’s never been done before in NBA history during the Denver Nuggets’ overtime win over the Phoenix Suns Friday night.

The three-time MVP added to his list of accolades with the first-ever 30-20-20 statline, finishing with 31 points, 22 assists and 21 rebounds to lead Denver to the 149-141 win. 

The Suns came back from down as many as 21 to take a two-point lead late in regulation, but could not pull off the victory even after a Kevin Durant buzzer-beating 3 forced overtime. 

Phoenix fell to 29-34 with the loss and remains 2.5 games back of the No. 10 seed and last play-in spot to the Dallas Mavericks, who the Suns play Sunday afternoon. 

Here’s what the Suns had to say about Jokic’s historic performance postgame:

Kevin Durant: "It was a fast-paced game, (there were) 100 or so many possessions in the game. The whole offense is centered around him making a play. I'm actually kind of surprised he hasn't done this before, but he's been so close. He's an all-time great, man. All-time great.

"That's pretty normal and crazy thing is it didn't seem like he had those numbers. I looked up towards the end of the overtime and was like 'Oh s---, 30-20-(20). That's crazy.' But I feel like we made him work for most of his stuff tonight, but like I said, he gets the ball every play, so the numbers are gonna pile up after a while, especially after you go into overtime." (via DNVR Nuggets)

Coach Mike Budenholzer: "Hard to say or add anything that hasn't been said about Jokic as a player. But I think the way they shot the ball, their roster, you go up and down and look at what they shot from 3 (21-for-40) ... He's a great passer and tonight his teammates were great around him and credit to them." (via The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin)

Devin Booker: "Never seen anything like it. He's the hub, they have the system, and they play well with it." (via Rankin)

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Brendan Mau
BRENDAN MAU

Brendan Mau is a staff writer for Suns on SI. Brendan has been a credentialed media member covering the Suns since 2023 and holds a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism from Arizona State’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. Follow Brendan on X @Brendan_Mau for more news, updates, analysis and more!

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