By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
After a more than promising rookie season, Nikola Jokic is taking the NBA by storm this year, laying the full spectrum of his rich and diverse talents on the floor. And his achievements during February set his performances above even Lebron James and James Harden… in a way.
The savvy Serbian center of the Denver Nuggets has transcended his game and evolved into perhaps the best passing big guy in the league (together with fellow Euro Marc Gasol) and, as a result, he completed the previous month with no less than three triple-doubles.
Meanwhile, James and Harden combined for two, one each. Actually, only triple-double master Russell Westbrook is above the Serb in the related category with no less than six.
Jokic posted the first triple-double of his career in the 121 – 117 home win over the Milwaukee Bucks when he scored 20 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and dished out 11 assists.
Ten days later, he once again finished with double-figures in three statistical categories, leading the Nuggets to an offensive 132 – 111 triumph against the almighty Golden State Warriors with 17 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists. He actually became the first player in history to notch such numbers while shooting > 50% from the field. Quite amazing.
The latest all-around show of the Serbian craftsman arrived last night. the 22-year-old player brought his game-winning versatility to Chicago and the Bulls, dropping 19 points, getting 16 boards and throwing 10 dimes to his teammates as the Nuggets routed their opponents 125 – 107.
In total, Jokic completed the month with 16.3 points, 11 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. The Nuggets won six out of the thirteen games they played and now stand the eighth place of the Western Conference standings with a 27 – 33 record.