Nikola Jokic has forged himself beside Carmelo Anthony in the Denver Nuggets' record books. The Serbian is the first player since Melo in the 2009-10 season to score 35 points or more in at least 10 games in a season.
Jokic unlocked the milestone in their 118-112 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday. He had 39 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. Among the 10 games where he scored at least 35 points are a 41-point output in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers, a 50-point explosion in a loss to the Sacramento Kings, and a 47-point production in a win over the Utah Jazz.
Nikola Jokic is the first @nuggets player to score 35+ PTS in at least 10 games in a season since Carmelo Anthony in 2009-10. pic.twitter.com/nd0MnXHcJV
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 2, 2021
Against the Bulls, not only did Jokic forge his name into the record books, but he also showed up when his team needed him the most. The Nuggets All-Star threw down a nasty clutch slam after a nifty pass from Jamal Murray.
Joker delivered a CLUTCH slam 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZnQT3lEZBM
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 2, 2021
Nikola Jokic is slowly making his case as the best player ever to don the Nuggets jersey. He has a long way to go. As Anthony, during his seven and a half year stint with the Nuggets, led the team to seven playoff appearances. In 2009, Jokic and Co. went as far as the Western Conference Finals but succumbed to the Los Angeles Lakers—the eventual champions.
The Joker, for his part, has guided the team to two straight playoff appearances. Last year's run was perhaps the best after they overcame two 3-1 series deficits. And from an individual perspective, Jokic has been included in MVP talks over the last two years.
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