The Denver Nuggets lost to the Phoenix Suns 121-114 in Game 3, but it wasnā€™t for lack of trying on Nikola Jokicā€™s part. In the face of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant going crazy, the former two-time MVP put his team on his back. Unlike Bookerā€™s fiery scoring, though, Jokic dominated the game in a completely different way. Saying he stuffed the stat sheet feels like a massive understatement after he dropped 30 points, 17 rebounds (!!!) and 17 assists (!!!). This was Nikola Jokicā€™s ninth playoff triple-double, matching a record set by Wilt Chamberlain, per ClutchPoints.

Wilt records hold a special place in many NBA fansā€™ heart. Most Wilt records are almost-unbreakable, so to see someone even tie those records is insane. Nikola Jokic is one of the few stars today who have, on multiple occasions, done something that only Wilt previously did. The Nuggets star is easily one of the most dominant forces in the NBA today.

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Unfortunely, Jokicā€™s insane game wasnā€™t enough to overcome the sheer brilliance of the Sunsā€™ star duo. The Nuggets struggled to contain Booker and Durant in Game 3 properly. Booker, in particular, went off for 47 points on insane efficiency. It was an insane game from Phoenix, who was missing their point guard Chris Paul due to injury.

If thereā€™s an encouraging takeaway for the Nuggets in this game, though, itā€™s the margin of defeat. Despite getting bombarded by Booker and Durant, the Suns only won by seven points. Granted, Nikola Jokic wonā€™t go for 30-17-17 every single game, too. However, itā€™s worth noting that Jokicā€™s regression to his usual mean isnā€™t too far off from his Game 3 masterclass.

Jokic and the Nuggets will take on the Suns again in Game 4. If they take a 3-1 series lead heading into Denver after that game? Things will be looking pretty good for them moving forward.