Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić is on the verge of becoming the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists and rebounds per game in the same season. The two-time MVP is averaging 10.9 assists and 12.9 rebounds per game through 75 contests this season, securing his place in the record books.
Jokić’s historic achievement is part of a season filled with Wilt Chamberlain comparisons. From Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 127-game scoring streak, the name Wilt has been a recurring theme. Now, Jokić is adding to that legacy. The only other time a player led in both categories was 1967–68 when Chamberlain led in total rebounds (1,992) and total assists (702).
Jokić is set to join a select group of players who have led the league in either assists or rebounds. His 696 assists this season would be the second-highest total by a center in NBA history, trailing only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 5,660 over 20 seasons. For rebounds, Jokić is second among centers with 828 boards, behind Karl-Anthony Towns (879), Rudy Gobert (872), and Donovan Clingan (869).
The Nuggets are reaping the benefits of Jokić’s all-around dominance. Denver has won 11 games in a row and is 14-2 since March 11. Jokić’s ability to control the tempo and elevate his teammates has been crucial in securing a strong playoff seed in the Western Conference.
Jokić’s historic season mirrors Wilt Chamberlain’s transformation in 1967 under coach Alex Hannum. Chamberlain shifted from a scoring machine to a playmaker, averaging 24.1 points, 23.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. That season, the 76ers went 68-13 and won the NBA title. Like Chamberlain, Jokić has embraced a team-first approach, taking just 19.5 field-goal attempts per game this season, the lowest in his career.
Teammates have long known to stay alert for Jokić’s unselfish passes. Guard Bruce Brown once fumbled two corner passes from Jokić, saying, “You literally have to be ready at all times because you just never know with him.”
Jokić is also the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double for two consecutive seasons. He has recorded 34 triple-doubles in 64 games this season, putting him on pace to shatter the single-season record of 41, set by Oscar Robertson in 1961–62.
With the season set to conclude on April 12, Jokić’s historic numbers are locked in. The next focus will be on the NBA Awards, where his MVP case is stronger than ever. Whether he wins or not, Jokić has etched his name into the history books.
The San Antonio Spurs edged the Dallas Mavericks 114-109 on Friday night, but the story was not the win. It was Victor Wembanyama’s 40-point, 13-rebound performance in just 26 minutes, a calculated move to reach the 65-game threshold required for regular-season award eligibility.
13 hours agoThe Greensboro Swarm captured their first G League championship in franchise history by sweeping the Stockton Kings in the best-of-three G League Finals. Forward Tosan Evbuomwan was named Finals MVP after scoring 22 points in the decisive Game 2. The Swarm finished the season with a 33-15 record, th
13 hours ago
The New York Knicks clinched the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday but lost key forward OG Anunoby to a left ankle injury in the process. Anunoby exited the game in the second quarter after rolling his ankle on a collision with Raptors guard Scottie B
13 hours ago
The Miami Heat have officially converted guard Jahmir Young’s two-way contract into a two-year standard NBA deal, sources told Shams Charania of ESPN. The move comes after the team waived Terry Rozier earlier Friday to create the necessary roster spot. Young’s new contract includes a non-guaranteed
17 hours ago