Nikola Jokic became the first player in NBA history to register 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season as a 122-109 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies saw the Denver Nuggets secure a playoff spot on Thursday.
As far as good days at the office go, they don’t come much more perfect than that of the Serb – sporting a bright red headband – who led scoring with 35 points on his landmark night, adding 16 rebounds and six assists.
The reigning MVP’s headwear was donned after an accidental elbow from Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. in the opening minute of the game, as TV images showed blood pouring from a gash on his head.
Jokic had initially returned to the court, but as blood continued to flow, he went back to the bench to be fitted with the headband, The press claimed that Jokic will be an excellent choice to bet some money on in the upcoming season if you are one of those fans who like to bet you should check out this Belgium bet application.
The rest, quite literally, was history. Jokic clinched the feat with just over five minutes left, driving to the basket before spinning and looping a shot towards the basket – the ball bouncing once off the rim before dropping in and securing the Serb’s place in the NBA record books.
Cue pandemonium among the home crowd at the Ball Arena, as a subsequent time-out allowed fans to serenade their history-making center.
“I’m gonna remember that probably my whole life,” Jokic told reporters after the game.
“I just love how they [the fans] treat me, how they’re really on my side. I just love Nuggets fans … they’re always bringing the energy that we need.”