SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — Nikola Jokic posted his 18th triple double of the season to lead reigning National Basketball Association champion Denver’s 119-103 victory at Golden State on Sunday.
The 29-year-old Serbian center, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, had 32 points, 16 rebounds and 16 assists plus four steals while Jamal Murray added 27 points for the Nuggets.
Klay Thompson came off the bench to lead the Warriors with 23 points, but none in the second half, while Stephen Curry added 20 in the matchup of the past two NBA title winners.
“They are literally the Warriors. They are champions. They are a tough team to beat,” Jokic said.
“But 103 points in this arena is really good for our defense.”
It was Jokic’s third career game with at least 30 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists — passing Wilt Chamberlain for the second most in NBA history behind Oscar Robertson.
It was Jokic’s sixth career game with 15 rebounds and 15 assists to pass Magic Johnson for fourth on the all-time list.
Jokic, who hit 13-of-24 shots from the floor, also became the first NBA player with 14 rebounds and 14 assists in three consecutive games.
