Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. On Tuesday night, the reigning Finals MVP achieved not one, but two historic milestones during a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Jokic, widely regarded as the best passing center in NBA history, became only the second center in league history to record 5,000 career assists. The only other player in this elite category is NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. StatMamba highlighted the achievement on social media:
“Nikola Jokic joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only centers in NBA history to record 5K AST.”
This accomplishment further shows Jokic’s unparalleled playmaking ability, as he continues to redefine the role of a center in modern basketball.
The Fastest to a Rare Statistical Triple
Jokic didn’t stop there. With his eighth assist of the night, he also became the fastest player in NBA history to achieve 15,000 points, 7,500 rebounds, and 5,000 assists, reaching this feat in just 709 games. The previous record-holder was Larry Bird, who accomplished it in 799 games. The NBA announced the milestone, stating:
“With his 8th assist tonight, Nikola Jokic just became the fastest player to reach 15K+ PTS, 7,500+ REB, and 5K+ AST.”
Jokic’s performance in the game was nothing short of spectacular. Entering the matchup, he was already averaging near triple-double numbers for the season—31.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game.
True to form, he recorded a triple-double by the third quarter, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most versatile and impactful players in the league.
Jokic’s unique combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking sets him apart in NBA history. At just 29 years old, he’s already won three of the last four MVP awards and is considered a frontrunner for the honor again this season.
His ability to dominate games while making teammates better has made him a cornerstone of the Nuggets’ success, including their first NBA championship in franchise history last year.
With these historic achievements, Nikola Jokic has not only etched his name alongside the game’s greatest players but also raised the bar for what a center can achieve in the NBA.
