Nikola Jokic stats: Nuggets star shines with absurd double-double in Game 1 win vs. Thunder
Context:
Nikola Jokic delivered an extraordinary performance in the Denver Nuggets' Game 1 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing why he is regarded as one of the best players in the world. Despite fatigue from a previous seven-game series, Jokic recorded a remarkable double-double with 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists, becoming only the 13th player in NBA playoff history to achieve such stats. The Thunder defense struggled to contain him, especially as he scored 18 points in the final quarter, including a crucial three-pointer that helped Denver's comeback. His performance placed him alongside other legendary players, yet unlike some, he achieved this milestone in a victorious effort. With this win, Jokic and the Nuggets are now three victories away from reaching the Western Conference Finals, with Jokic emphasizing their focus on continuous improvement and winning.
Dive Deeper:
Nikola Jokic's performance against the Thunder was historic, as he joined an elite group of only 13 players in NBA playoff history to achieve a double-double of 40-plus points and 20-plus rebounds, further narrowing to four when including five-plus assists.
Despite the physical and mental exhaustion from a preceding seven-game series against the Clippers, Jokic delivered arguably the best game of his playoff career, demonstrating his resilience and exceptional talent.
During the crucial final quarter, Jokic scored 18 points, including a pivotal staredown three-pointer that reduced Denver's deficit to one point, setting the stage for their comeback victory in Game 1.
The Thunder's defense was unable to counter Jokic's versatility and skill, as he dominated the game with a stat line of 42 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists, alongside a steal, two blocks, and 15-29 shooting.
Jokic's outstanding performance not only led the Nuggets to victory but also highlighted his prioritization of team improvement and winning, as they aim to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
His remarkable feat is further distinguished by the fact that unlike other greats such as Shaquille O'Neal and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jokic's performance secured a win for his team.
Jokic's focus on improving and achieving victories reflects the Nuggets' current momentum and determination to progress further in the playoffs, as stated in his post-game remarks.
There's a reason why most consider Nuggets center Nikola Jokic to be the best player in the world. He showed it on Monday night.
No more than 48 hours after the final buzzer sounded on Denver's Game 7 win over the Clippers, Jokic and his team were at OKC's Paycom Center to face the 1-seed Thunder. To say that Jokic was the best player in the arena would be an understatement.
Despite the residual mental, physical, and emotional fatigue from a seven-game series, Jokic turned in arguably the best game of his playoff career — and his playoff career already consists of quite a few impressive performances.
Here's a closer look at Jokic's absurd numbers in the stunning Game 1 victory.
Nikola Jokic Game 1 stats vs. Thunder
Jokic did it all in Monday's win, becoming the 13th player in NBA playoff history to turn in a double-double of 40-plus points and 20-plus rebounds. That group narrows down to four when considering players who also recorded five-plus assists.Denver's big fella dished out six.
Here's a complete look at Jokic's one-of-a-kind stat line in all of its glory:
- 42 points
- 22 rebounds
- 6 assists
- 1 steal
- 2 blocks
- 7 turnovers
- 15-29 (51.7%) FG
- 2-6 (33.3%) 3FG
- 10-13 (76.9%) FT
As evidenced by the numbers, the Thunder defense did not have an answer for Jokic.
He saved his best for when it mattered most, scoring 18 of his 42 points in the game's final frame, including a clutch staredown 3-pointer that cut the deficit to one point and set up Denver's furious comeback finish.
MORE: How OKC's decision to foul late backfired in Denver's stunning Game 1 win
- Unsurprisingly, the list of players Jokic joined with his performance is a who's who of all-time greats. Unlike Shaquille O'Neal and Giannis Antetokounmpo, however, Jokic's performance came in a win.
With a historic performance — and a thrilling win — under his belt, Jokic will look to continue this level of play to help the Nuggets pull off the second-round upset.NBA playoff games of 40+ points, 20+ rebounds and 5+ assists Player Date Points Rebounds Assists Wilt Chamberlain March 27, 1962 42 37 5 Wilt Chamberlain March 21, 1967 41 22 5 Shaquille O'Neal June 6, 2001 44 20 5 Giannis Antetokounmpo May 13, 2022 44 20 6 Nikola Jokic May 5, 2025 42 22 6 When it comes down to it, Jokic is prioritizing one thing only.
"We are definitely getting (better) especially lately," Jokic said after Game 1 of the West semis. "We are accepting it. We just want to win."
They're now three wins away from the Western Conference Finals.