Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic sets record with triple-double against the Clippers
On a thrilling Saturday night, the Denver Nuggets clinched their spot in the second round of the playoffs, triumphing over the Los Angeles Clippers in a decisive Game 7 of their series. Despite the first six contests being closely contested, the final game was anything but, with both teams' starters spending most of the fourth quarter on the sidelines.
A standout performance from MVP candidate Nikola Jokic was a highlight of the game, as he overcame a shaky start and directed Denver's stellar offensive onslaught throughout the night.
As a result of his impressive season-long performance, Jokic joined basketball legends Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players to average a triple-double this season. Interestingly, it's been reported on Reddit/nba that Jokic is now the first player to win a playoff series while averaging a triple-double throughout the season, marking a significant accomplishment compared to Westbrook and Robertson, neither of whom won a series in the years they averaged triple-doubles.
Jokic's dominance continues to be evident, securing a playoff berth for the Nuggets for the third consecutive year.
A noteworthy matchup ahead
Fresh off of Russell Westbrook's historic Game 7 performance, the Nuggets will now face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who snatched the Western Conference's top seed with an impressive 68-win season.
The Nuggets will be given minimal rest before this barnburner matchup begins, while the Thunder have been off since April 26, having easily dispatched the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.
Though the Thunder may have the advantage of fresh legs, there's a possibility they might exhibit a bit of rust due to their extended layoff.
This game promises to be a tense showdown between the league's two leading MVP candidates – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of OKC and Jokic of the Nuggets. Treat yourself to the intense battle that kicks off on Monday evening at 9:30 PM ET from Oklahoma City, as it will be broadcasted nationally by TNT.
- The Nuggets' playoff run continues as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next playoff matchup.
- The Thunder, who secured the Western Conference's top seed with an impressive 68-win season, have been given extended rest, while the Nuggets have minimal rest after their Game 7 victory.
- Though the Thunder may have the advantage of fresh legs, they might exhibit a bit of rust due to their extended layoff.
- The game promises to be a tense showdown between the league's two leading MVP candidates – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of OKC and Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets.
