Jokic passes Oscar Robertson for NBA triple-doubles: “He’s special”

Nikola Jokic continues to operate in territory that now belongs only to him. In Chicago, he delivers yet another textbook performance, but this time the significance goes beyond the box score: the Denver Nuggets center becomes the second-greatest player ever in regular-season triple-doubles, surpassing an absolute legend like Oscar Robertson.

In the 136-120 win over the Bulls, Jokic finishes with 22 points, 17 assists and 14 rebounds, logging the 182nd triple-double of his career. A number that places him behind only Russell Westbrook (207), but ahead of the man who first defined this kind of impact in the modern NBA.

Oscar Robertson is a legendary player. Anyone who enters this league knows how global of a figure he is. Being mentioned alongside him is something special

Nikola Jokic

A center who plays like a point guard

The numbers tell only part of the story. What stands out most is the way Jokic continues to redefine the role of the big man. Seventeen assists for a center remain a statistical anomaly, but with the Serbian star they are starting to feel almost routine.

David Adelman, Nuggets assistant coach and part of the franchise since Jokic’s early years, does not hide his amazement:

When your center hands out 17 assists in a game, it just doesn’t happen. Unless it’s him. It’s absolutely incredible

David Adelman

The triple-double against Chicago is his 19th of the season and his second straight, further confirmation of a level of consistency that only a few players in league history have ever maintained.

MVPs, records and a legacy built to last

Three-time NBA MVP, eight-time All-Star, and now another historic milestone. Jokic, who will turn 31 on February 19, does not look anywhere close to slowing down. In fact, those around him believe the opposite.

Jamal Murray has no doubts:

He’s still got so much ahead of him. When he sets that record, it’ll be like one of Usain Bolt’s. It’ll be there for a very, very long time

Jamal Murray

That’s no exaggeration. Westbrook, Jokic and Robertson are the only three players in NBA history to average a triple-double over a full season. But the Serbian star is the only one to have done it while maintaining elite offensive efficiency and a constant impact on team wins.

In Denver, they know it well: any given night could be the one where fans witness something that won’t be easy to see again.