Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets superstar center, continues to rewrite the record books while maintaining his trademark humility.
After leading his team to a dominant win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Jokic responded to a reporter’s question suggesting that his historic performances appear to come so easily to him. When asked about starting the season with four straight triple-doubles—a feat only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook have accomplished—and how these statistical showcases seem so effortless, the three-time MVP didn’t hesitate to push back on that characterization.
“It’s not effortless. I think we need to stop saying that,” said Jokic. “I’m still running like other guys, I’m still jumping like other guys. Sometimes the game goes my way, and I have a good night like today. I think it was a good night for me, so hopefully it’s going to be like that in the future.”
Jokic’s latest triple-double came in the Nuggets’ 122-88 win over the Pelicans, improving Denver’s record to 3-1. In 28 minutes of action, he put up 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting, along with 12 rebounds and 10 assists. He also recorded two steals.
This fourth consecutive triple-double to start the 2025-26 season places Jokic alongside Oscar Robertson, who achieved the same feat during the 1961-62 season. That season, Robertson became the first-ever player to average a triple-double over an entire campaign. In the nearly 65 years since, only Russell Westbrook and Jokic have matched that incredible achievement.
Jokic’s performance against the Pelicans marks the 168th triple-double of his career, putting him third all-time behind Westbrook (203) and Robertson (181). Should Jokic continue his current pace, he could very well surpass Robertson and move into second place on the all-time list this season.
While Jokic may reject the word “effortless,” fans and analysts often use it as a compliment rather than a critique. It reflects a sense of awe when witnessing a generational talent who works hard to make his basketball brilliance appear seamless and natural.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/denver-nuggets/nuggets-news-nikola-jokic-humble-response-effortless-play-style