Nikola Jokić moved another step towards rewriting NBA history after recording his 200th career regular-season triple-double to inspire the Denver Nuggets to a 104-91 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
The Serbian centre delivered 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists at the Smoothie King Center, becoming only the second player in NBA history to reach the 200-triple-double milestone.
Jokić’s achievement leaves him just 9 triple-doubles short of matching Russell Westbrook’s all-time record of 209, putting the Nuggets superstar within reach of another landmark in an already decorated career.
Also, the performance was Jokić’s second triple-double in four games this season, underlining his remarkable consistency as Denver looks to establish itself among the leading contenders in the Western Conference.
Westbrook accumulated his record tally across 18 NBA seasons, while Jokić has reached 200 in his 12th campaign. The difference in their career timelines makes the Serbian’s pursuit particularly significant, especially with several seasons potentially remaining in his career.
The milestone came in a victory that improved Denver’s record to 2-2 after four games, giving the Nuggets their first road win of the campaign and completing a two-game sweep of New Orleans. The Pelicans, meanwhile, slipped to 0-4.
From Second-Round Pick to NBA Greatness
Jokić’s rise to the top of the league’s statistical record books has been one of basketball’s most remarkable success stories.
Selected by Denver with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft, he arrived without the fanfare usually associated with future superstars. His exceptional passing, rebounding and scoring gradually transformed him into the centrepiece of the Nuggets’ championship ambitions.
His individual achievements have since matched his influence on the team. Jokić won consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player awards in 2021 and 2022 before claiming the honour for a third time in 2024, joining an elite group of players to win at least three MVP awards.
Furthermore, the defining moment of his career came in 2023, when he led Denver to its first NBA championship and was named Finals MVP. His ability to combine the responsibilities of a traditional centre with the vision and distribution of an elite playmaker has made him one of the most distinctive players of his generation.
His triple-double numbers reflect that versatility. Rather than relying solely on scoring, Jokić regularly contributes across the three major statistical categories, using his size to control the boards and his passing to create opportunities for teammates.
Ten Triple-Doubles From History
Jokić now needs 9 more regular-season triple-doubles to equal Westbrook’s record of 209 and 10 to claim sole possession of the top spot.
Westbrook established the benchmark through years of high-volume production, surpassing Oscar Robertson’s previous record of 181 in 2021. His eventual tally of 209 stood as the standard when he retired from the NBA after the 2025-26 season.
Jokić has a realistic opportunity to overtake that mark during the current campaign if he maintains his present rate. He has already recorded two triple-doubles in Denver’s opening four games, although sustaining that pace across a full season is far from guaranteed.
His previous production nevertheless offers grounds for optimism. Jokić registered 34 regular-season triple-doubles in 2024-25, demonstrating his capacity to accumulate them in significant numbers over a single campaign. At that rate, he would need considerably less than a full season to move beyond Westbrook.
The key will be maintaining his health, availability and all-round influence as Denver navigates the demands of the regular season. Unlike a scoring record, a triple-double requires a player to reach double figures in three separate categories, making each achievement dependent on how a game develops.
Nuggets Find Momentum in New Orleans
Beyond the individual milestone, Jokić’s performance helped Denver secure an important early-season victory.
The Nuggets established control from the opening quarter, outscoring New Orleans 37-18 to build an early advantage. They led by as many as 22 points before the Pelicans mounted a fourth-quarter challenge that reduced the deficit to five.
Jamal Murray responded with crucial baskets, while Christian Braun delivered important three-pointers to restore Denver’s cushion and help close out the contest. Murray finished with 23 points, and Aaron Gordon contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The victory lifted Denver to 2-2 and completed a sweep of its home-and-away series against New Orleans. It also provided a response after the Nuggets’ earlier defeat to Golden State, giving them a chance to build momentum as the season progresses.
Jokić’s record chase will continue to attract attention, but Denver’s ambitions extend beyond individual statistics. The franchise will need its leading players to deliver consistently if it hopes to challenge for another championship.
Jokić has for now, brought Westbrook’s long-standing record within touching distance. With 200 triple-doubles already secured and his 12th NBA campaign underway, the Serbian star has an opportunity to turn a historic milestone into a new benchmark for future generations.
READ ALSO: TUTAG Set to Suspend Strike After Meeting with GTEC
