Nikola Jokic on Joel Embiid: 'There's not even a little bit bad blood between us'

In that way, and in dozens of others, Jokic is a basketball anomaly. He’s a center with a point guard’s proclivities and a superstar with a benchwarmer’s ego. He’s also the odds-on favorite to become only the fifth center in NBA history to win back-to-back MVPs. Asked that same weekend about his designs on another MVP, Jokic said he’d be happy as long as a big man won the award. “There’s not even a little bit bad blood between us,” Jokic said of Embid. “I think (he’s) a great player.”
Source: Denver Post

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
After averaging 30.6 points per game, Joel Embiid becomes the first international player to win the NBA scoring title (and the first center since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000): basketballnews.com/stories/joel-e… – 5:25 PM Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers: ‘We still want to get to three (in the East).’ Doesn’t want to risk injury with Embiid and Harden. – 5:20 PM Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Joel Embiid (right knee soreness), James Harden (left hamstring, injury recovery) and Paul Millsap (non-Covid illness) are all out for tonight’s game, Sixers say – 5:14 PM Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Sixers say James Harden and Joel Embiid will not play tonight against Detroit.
If Philadelphia loses, it is locked into the four seed, and will face Toronto in round one. – 5:13 PM Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Embiid isn’t playing tonight. This means that Luka Doncic can win the scoring title … by scoring 167 points for Dallas against San Antonio later tonight.
I say he goes for it. – 5:13 PM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Paul Millsap are all out today. Embiid has right knee soreness, Harden is recovering from his left hamstring injury, and Millsap has a non-COVID illness. #Sixers – 5:11 PM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Paul Millsap are out tonight. – 5:11 PM Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
76ers stars Joel Embiid (knee) and James Harden (injury recovery) will sit second game of back-to-back tonight vs. Pistons. Embiid clinched the 2021-22 scoring title today. – 5:11 PM Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers’ Joel Embiid (right knee soreness), James Harden (left hamstring, injury recovery) and Paul Millsap (non-Covid illness) are all out for tonight’s game. – 5:11 PM Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers are resting Embiid and Harden tonight. – 5:11 PM Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid and James Harden are out tonight #Sixers – 5:11 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I got got. I got into an argument with an Embiid stan account. It’s time to go outside. Sigh. – 4:50 PM Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Joel Embiid becomes the first international player to win the NBA scoring title
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 4:13 PM Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Joel Embiid officially becomes first center since Shaq to win scoring title nba.nbcsports.com/2022/04/10/joe… – 4:01 PM Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Joel Embiid once told me, “I want to be better than Shaq.” He’ll need a few championships before it’ll even be considered by most. But he now has a scoring title at age 28 – the same age Shaq won his first in 2000 – & is the first center to average 30 since Moses Malone in 1982. – 3:01 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Cunningham, Embiid and Harden are all questionable tonight. – 2:45 PM CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
76ers’ Joel Embiid secures NBA scoring title as Giannis Antetokounmpo sits in regular season finale
cbssports.com/nba/news/76ers… – 2:42 PM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Everyone who said Embiid needed to be a macho low-post big like in order to be great: pic.twitter.com/BpZ2IN0h7C – 2:30 PM Katy Winge @katywinge
My biggest argument for MVP has always been this: remove the player from the team and how would that team be?
Difference in net rating between playing and not playing:
Giannis -10.7
Embiid (the scoring title holder of the 2021-22 season) -11.9
Jokić -16.4 – 2:23 PM Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
“First scoring title for a center since Shaq in 2000” is impressive, but it should also be noted that Embiid is just the fourth to do it since 1980, and 2 of previous 3 years happened during Jordan’s mid-career retirement (after which he came back and immediately won 3 straight) – 2:20 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Joel Embiid is officially the scoring champ.
— First center to do it since Shaq
— First international player to do it
— First center with 30 PPG under 40 MPG pic.twitter.com/s9dMymsrmt – 2:12 PM Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play today.
That means Joel Embiid will win the NBA’s scoring title … unless something like this happens — he plays today, scores zero points, and Luka Doncic scores 138 points or more.
Hence, I think Joel Embiid has won the scoring title. – 2:10 PM Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wins the 2021-22 NBA scoring title, the first center to lead the league in scoring since Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000. – 2:06 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
All this debate about Embiid and Jokić for MVP and both of their teams are gonna be first round exits lmao – 1:18 PM Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
ICYMI, tiebreaker scenarios, the status of Embiid’s race for the scoring title and quick thoughts on why the #4 seed might actually be beneficial for the Sixers.
dailysix.com/where-things-s… – 1:04 PM Joel Embiid @JoelEmbiid
VAR has to be the worst thing ever… just let the referees make decisions and live with the results – 12:55 PM Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers’ Joel Embiid (right knee soreness) and James Harden (left hamstring recovery) are both listed as questionable for tonight’s regular-season finale against the #Pistons. Georges Niang (left knee patella tendinopathy) will miss his second straight game. – 12:48 PM Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Joel Embiid and James Harden are both listed as questionable for tonight’s game on the 12:30 injury report – 12:40 PM Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid and James Harden are questionable to play tonight #Sixers – 12:37 PM Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Joel Embiid (right knee soreness) and James Harden (left hamstring recovery) are both listed as questionable to play in tonight’s regular-season finale against Detroit. Georges Niang (knee) remains out after missing yesterday’s win vs. Indiana. – 12:36 PM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for tonight due to right knee soreness and James Harden is also questionable due to left hamstring recovery #Sixers – 12:35 PM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Joel Embiid (right knee soreness) and James Harden (left hamstring injury recovery) are QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s finale against the Pistons. – 12:33 PM Mike Lynch @SportInfo247
Joel Embiid is on pace to become the 4th player in the ~50 years for which we have robust possessions estimates to average 45+ points per 100 possessions, joining James Harden, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant per @Stathead
https://t.co/Ub3kx9fduC pic.twitter.com/lSsxFPxgK1 – 12:32 PM JD Shaw @JShawNBA
NBA’s best from April 9:
– J. Embiid: 41 pts, 20 reb, 2 stl
– L. Walker IV: 24 pts, 5 reb, 27 min
– P. George: 23 pts, 8 reb, 12 ast
– D. Brooks: 23 pts, 3 reb, 5 ast
– J. Harden: 22 pts, 14 ast, +12
– J. Morant: 21 pts, 4 reb, 9 ast
– B. Clarke: 20 pts, 10-10 fg, 18 min – 12:00 PM Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Joel Embiid yesterday:
41 PTS
20 REB
14-17 FG
It’s the 13th time Embiid has tallied at least 40p/10r in a game this season.
He breaks a tie with Moses Malone (1981-82) and Russell Westbrook (2016-17) for the most such games in a single season since the ABA-NBA merger. pic.twitter.com/9m4668E3R9 – 10:01 AM Michael Singer @msinger
There’s been a lot of oxygen spent on discussing Nikola Jokic & Joel Embiid, but very little of it has come from NBA players themselves. Since Feb., I asked 9 big men their opinions of Jokic vs. Embiid, including the MVP question. Here’s what they said:
denverpost.com/2022/04/10/nik… – 9:56 AM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as doubtful for Milwaukee’s regular season finale today.
Him not playing would make Joel Embiid the 2021-22 scoring champion. – 9:56 AM Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
MVP of the Night: Joel Embiid
#NBAsFinest pic.twitter.com/OlIeNNoasJ – 9:44 AM Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers’ Joel Embiid is on the verge of history inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 9:44 AM Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
Hard for me to see Nikola Jokic of #Nuggets beating out Joel Embiid of #Sixers for #NBA #MVP. I expect a very close vote, with the “Embiid is due” narrative winning. Thanks to all who have been voting in MVP poll. It remains open until Monday. – CS – 6:48 AM Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers’ Joel Embiid is on the verge of history inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 6:35 AM Rick Noland @RickNoland
Jokic my MVP – 12:29 AM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Help me settle a debate. Pick which team would win in a seven-game series.
Team 1: Ja, Kawhi, LeBron, Durant, Jokic
Team 2: Curry, Doncic, Booker, Giannis, Embiid – 10:47 PM Gery Woelfel @GeryWoelfel
Joel Embiid scored 41 points in Saturday’s game and is now averaging a league-high 30.57 points. If Embiid sits out Sunday’s game, Giannis Antetokounmpo would have to score 77 points in Sunday’s game to tie for the scoring title. – 9:30 PM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid made more history on Saturday as he joined Moses Malone in the record books. He reacted to that after the win. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/04/09/six… via @SixersWire – 8:33 PM Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo would have to score 47 points on Sunday to win the scoring title if Joel Embiid plays and doesn’t score. Antetokounmpo would have to score 77 points if Embiid sits.
#Sixers’ Embiid is on the verge of history inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… – 7:59 PM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was impressed with what he’s seen from Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/lists/pacers-c… via @SixersWire #NBA – 7:15 PM Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Watch Joel Embiid score 41 points with 20 rebounds, Sixers handle Pacers nba.nbcsports.com/2022/04/09/wat… – 7:01 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Nuggets official injury report:
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are OUT.
The following players are QUESTIONABLE:
Zeke Nnaji – knee soreness
Vlatko Cancar – foot surgery
Nikola Jokic – right wrist
Aaron Gordon – hamstring
Will Barton – knee
Monte Morris – elbow – 6:37 PM Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets injury report: Jamal Murray (out), MPJ (out), Will Barton (questionable), Vlatko Cancar (questionable), Aaron Gordon (questionable), Nikola Jokic (questionable), Monte Morris (questionable), Zeke Nnaji (questionable). – 6:35 PM Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Nikola Jokic will become just the sixth player in NBA history to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in the same season:
LeBron James (2x)
Dave Cowens
Scottie Pippen
Kevin Garnett
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jokic pic.twitter.com/suTbNdUbaR – 5:01 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Highest single-season PER ever:
1. Jokic this season
2. Giannis this season
PER isn’t a real stat though so this means nothing. pic.twitter.com/0BRw5zDpws – 1:36 PM Chris Broussard @Chris_Broussard
Did Judge make a mistake passing on that extension? Fair or Foul to list Jokic and Embiid as forwards for All-NBA? The LeBron double-standard & more! Guests: @gregmaddux @EddieHouse_50
Catch us live weeknights 7-10p ET on @FoxSportsRadio & @iHeartRadio podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the… – 11:10 AM StatMuse @statmuse
Most 30/10/5 games this season:
21 — Giannis
20 — Jokic
No other player has more than 12. pic.twitter.com/vdFOlB8PI2 – 9:06 PM Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
New @FrontOfficeShow is up! @Trevor_Lane and I talk Jokic making history, Ja maybe coming back, Lakers shutting down LBJ plus more Lakers drama and the latest end-of-season transactions around the NBA. Watch, like and subscribe below. Almost to 17K now!
youtu.be/iYi3D8VSy1M – 7:53 PM Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. on if his former player Nikola Jokic solidified his MVP case with his NBA record last night: “As far as I’m concerned, he did that long before last night.” – 5:31 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Inside a historic night that ended with Tim Connelly, who drafted Nikola Jokic eight years ago, presenting the game ball to the MVP.
“(Connelly) said he stunk like horses because he was in Europe,” relayed Jokic. “I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m used to it.'”
thednvr.com/on-a-historic-… – 5:30 PM Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Nikola Jokic is averaging 35.7 PPG with a 65.4 FG% over his last seven games.
The last NBA player to average at least 35 PPG while shooting 65% from the field over a seven-game span was Adrian Dantley in January 1982. pic.twitter.com/sYjuwZKNW6 – 3:01 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
How LeBron James and Nikola Jokic celebrated their historic individual accomplishments this season. pic.twitter.com/O7Rlqe1T6a – 2:55 PM Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
Honestly, the MVP debate is just kinda bumming me out. Instead of celebrating how great Embiid, Giannis and Jokic have been this year, it’s just turned into a festival of tearing them down. Seems like kind of a shit way to watch basketball and enjoy the NBA. – 12:46 PM StatMuse @statmuse
10-assist games by a center this season:
20 — Jokic
2 — Poku, Embiid pic.twitter.com/fLkWKiGhsg – 12:40 PM JD Shaw @JShawNBA
NBA’s best from April 7:
– A. Edwards: 49 pts, 6 reb, 8 ast
– T. Horton-Tucker: 40 pts, 3 ast, 4 stl
– P. Siakam: 37 pts, 11 reb, 12 ast
– N. Jokic: 35 pts, 16 reb, +37
– Giannis: 29 pts, 11 reb, 5 ast
– Jr. Holiday: 29 pts, 8 reb, 8 ast
– J. Brown: 22 pts, 10 reb, 11 ast – 12:33 PM Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
New NBA Daily Ding w/ @MoDakhil_NBA on @AthleticNBAShow
👑 MVP race hits climax as Giannis, Jokic & Embiid make their case
🧮Seeding watch gets crazy in East
💻 @primetime_bs
Apple: https://t.co/OoPRFUSCTO
Spotify: https://t.co/bJvPO017yX
Athletic: https://t.co/Jvha4MWOVB pic.twitter.com/d3ddI9cs71 – 11:52 AM StatMuse @statmuse
Jokic MVP season vs this season:
26.4 27.1 PPG
10.8 13.8 RPG
8.3 7.9 APG
1.3 1.5 SPG
0.7 0.9 BPG
56.6 58.3 FG%
The Nuggets have more wins without Murray/MPJ this season (48) than with them last season (47). pic.twitter.com/tek1FUXTUi – 11:37 AM Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Since Dec.1 Siakam leads NBA in minutes & avg 23.7/8.8r/5.6a on TS% of 56.7, all than pre-bubble, all-NBA year, and this without Gasol, Ibaka or Lowry. Only Luka, Jokic, LeBron & Giannis hitting those numbers in 21-22. Raps have gone 37-19 & jumped from 12th in East to 5th /2 – 11:04 AM Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
🆕 Locked On #NBA Friday w/ @Adam Mares
🏀 Heat clinch No. 1 seed
🏀 Jokic’s MVP case strengths
🏀 Most disappointing seasons
YouTube: youtu.be/yZWK28RBcsg
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/loc… – 10:49 AM Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
The Nuggets are +444 when Nikola Jokic is on the court this season and -250 when he is off.
The last time a team was +400 with a player on the floor and -250 when he was off was the 2002-03 Timberwolves.
That player was Kevin Garnett. – 10:24 AM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Good morning to everyone celebrating the draft of the 2014 Taco Bell Quesarito in the 2nd round. Please enjoy this footage of Nikola Jokic doing exactly what he does now against some international teen competition in 2014. Same guy, same moves. Greatness. youtube.com/watch?v=xyxoJb… – 10:01 AM StatMuse @statmuse
Good morning. Check out these “advanced stats” from Jokic:
— First 2000/1000/500 season ever
— First to average 25/13/6 in a season ever (he’s averaging 27/14/8)
— First player in top 10 PPG, RPG, APG, FG% in last 50 seasons pic.twitter.com/9rXYm4BzS1 – 10:00 AM Tom Ziller @teamziller
Nikola Jokic’s new statistical club — 2K points, 1K rebounds, 500 assists — is just some arbitrary round numbers. But these arbitrary round numbers allow us to appreciate living genius and the brilliant ballers of the past. The Jokic Club is hella good. ziller.substack.com/p/nikola-jokic… – 9:39 AM Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Nikola Jokic has tallied at least 35 points and 10 rebounds in each of his last five games:
37p/13r
38p/19r
38p/18r
41p/17r
35p/16r
The only other player in the last 50 NBA seasons to record five such games in a row is Karl Malone (April 1988). pic.twitter.com/ELL3zeVLeh – 9:21 AM Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Nikola Jokic over his last seven games:
250 PTS (35.7 PPG)
114 REB (16.3 RPG)
52 AST (7.4 APG)
15 STL (2.1 SPG)
65.4 FG%
Jokic is the first NBA player to record at least 250p/100r/50a over a seven-game span since Wilt Chamberlain in March 1964. pic.twitter.com/0JynfBmj8e – 9:11 AM Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Nikola Jokic last night:
35 PTS
16 REB
6 AST
4 STL
16-24 FG
Jokic became the first player in NBA history to record at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season. pic.twitter.com/wFJlwmjclK – 9:01 AM Michael Singer @msinger
Got an e-mail from a loyal reader (shoutout Mickey) who sits behind the Jokic brothers at games. This picture of Strahinja, Nikola’s brother, was included. Very cool and proud moment for the family. pic.twitter.com/6yFmsMC1TK – 8:52 AM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Report Card: The Grizzlies were outplayed by a hungry Nuggets team, led by a 35 point performance from Nikola Jokic in the last road game of the season. https://t.co/KH4JFUxOba pic.twitter.com/qTrAA8NqPt – 8:15 AM Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Jokic first player in NBA history with 2,000 point, 1,000 rebound, 500 assist season nba.nbcsports.com/2022/04/08/jok… – 7:38 AM Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Nikola Jokic became the first player in NBA history with 2K/1K/500 in a single season as the Nuggets clinched their playoffs ticket with a win over the Grizzlies!
NBA recap, results and standings 👇
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 4:18 AM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins on Nikola Jokic: “He’s the MVP for a reason. He’s nearly impossible to guard.” – 1:36 AM Michael Singer @msinger
Asked Nikola Jokic what he was going to do with the headband/ball:
“I think Felipe’s going to sell it on eBay.” – 1:02 AM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
I asked Nikola Jokic if he takes time to celebrate these accomplishments.
Instead of answering, he said that his brother had a daughter last night and he just wants to get home and see his niece.
“Some things are more important than victories,” Jokic said. – 1:01 AM Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic on 2000/1000/500:
“That’s a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life. … I just love Nuggets fans.” – 12:56 AM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic on the headband:
“It did not look great. I will not let you guys see that again.” – 12:56 AM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
“I will remember that probably my whole life.”
Jokic, on the fans love for him. – 12:55 AM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
I cannot imagine the Nuggets not resting on Sunday against the Lakers in a truly meaningless game.
If it was me making these decisions, none of Jokic, Gordon, Barton or Morris would play. – 12:26 AM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Brandon Clarke is here. He says that Jokic is a very good player that can score in a variety of ways. Clarke says that the team seemed down and tired from the start of the game – “energy was low”. – 12:12 AM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Bones, asked by @Katy Winge about Jokic’s 5 steals, burst out laughing at the absurdity that Jokic ALSO had 5 steals on top of everything else. – 12:01 AM Michael Singer @msinger
Bones Hyland informed that Jokic also had five steals just busts out laughing.
“For, real?” – 12:01 AM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane is here. He says the team struggled on both ends and when the opposing team has a player like Jokic they can make you pay. Still, the team will keep the same approach moving forward and stay locked in. – 11:59 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Bones Hyland on Nikola Jokic: “Dude is really great at basketball.” – 11:58 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Bones Hyland on Nikola Jokic: “The dude is really great at basketball.” – 11:58 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Michael Malone repeated the stat multiple times in the presser today and clearly wanted Joker to get that benchmark tonight. – 11:46 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Malone says they’ll think about resting Nikola Jokic for the regular-season finale. Said they’ll make a decision on that in the next couple days.
(I’d be surprised if he played). – 11:44 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic’s headband: “I was surprised how good he looked with it.” – 11:42 PM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
One of the sweetest Winner’s Lounges of the season. Let’s go!
Headband Jokic, the ultimate Jokic
The exclusive “Jokic club”
Nuggets clinch a playoff spot
Nuggets hit their over
youtube.com/watch?v=WTaeun… – 11:42 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Malone is truly astounded that Jokic reached those 2000+ point, 1000+ rebound, 500+ assist benchmarks.
“That guy in there REALLY just did that,” Malone said. – 11:41 PM Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Bonus Alert 🚨 🚨
Denver has reached the postseason and as a result, Nikola Jokic has earned a $534,484 bonus.
The incentive was considered likely before the season and has no cap implications. – 11:37 PM Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
I’d be cool if Joel Embiid wins MVP. Been hunting the 👑 for 3 years & having his best season. Giannis Antetokounmpo is more than worthy of a 3rd MVP. So many take his brilliance for granted. But the case for Nikola Jokic keeps smacking me in the face like Rick James in the club. – 11:36 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Nikola Jokic mentions how the fans always loved him even when he wasn’t playing – it’s us, y’all. He’s talking about the weirdos who got hyped for his Summer League & screamed for him to get time as a backup. We always loved you, big guy. And you’ve given us everything in return. – 11:34 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic was met by Tim Connelly in the hallway after the win and was presented with the game ball. – 11:33 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Nikola Jokic tonight:
35 PTS
16 REB
6 AST
5 STL
16-24 FG
He passes Giannis and Embiid for the most 30p/15r games this season with 10. pic.twitter.com/6M7G8yVqgb – 11:32 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic postgame to @Katy Winge on becoming the first player in NBA history with 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season: “I mean it’s cool.” – 11:31 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Grizzlies get mauled by the Nuggets in Denver as Memphis falls to Nikola Jokic and company 122-109 https://t.co/RCkaD5o5sn pic.twitter.com/3HeNOpjePD – 11:29 PM Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
FINAL: Nuggets 122, Grizzlies 109. Denver’s going to the playoffs for a fourth straight season. Jokic makes history with a 35-16-6 night. Gordon (22) Barton (16), Hyland (16) and Morris (10) also in double figures. Bane leads the Nuggets with 14 points. – 11:29 PM Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Another MVP-caliber night for Nikola Jokic
35 points
16 rebounds
6 assists
5 steals
1 blovk
16/24 FG
+37
35 minutes
First player in NBA history to have 2,000+ points, 1,000+ rebounds and 500+ assists.
Insane Joker! #MileHighBasketball – 11:24 PM Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nikola Jokic is the first player in NBA HISTORY.
1st player EVER to get 2000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a season.
We are witnessing history.
He’s 1-of-1 folks. pic.twitter.com/oSutVeTBzG – 11:24 PM Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Nikola Jokic’s historic bucket which makes him the first
2000 points
1000 rebounds
500 assists
player in NBA history…
…in the most Jokic of ways. pic.twitter.com/J2uHpgIKx4 – 11:23 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic just secured the Nuggets playoff berth with a 35-point, 16-rebound, 6-assist, 5-steal, 1-block performance over Memphis and he became the first player in NBA history to accumualte 2000+ points, 1000+ rebounds, and 500+ assists in a single season.
That is the MVP. – 11:23 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Jokic got 2000 / 1000 / 500. The Nuggets can unclench now. – 11:21 PM Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
Nikola Jokic makes history w/5:21 left w/his bucket over a double team and the MVP chants breakout at Ball Arena. – 11:21 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic finishes one inside, becoming the first player in NBA history with 2,000+ points, 1,000+ rebounds and 500+ assists in a season.
“MVP” chants break out at Ball Arena. – 11:20 PM Sam Amick @sam_amick
Nikola Jokic becomes the first player in NBA history to have at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season. That’s not analytics, folks. That’s a reigning MVP who looks determined to defend his crown during this dominant final stretch of the season. – 11:20 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic is the only player in NBA history to put up 2000+ points, 1000+ rebounds and 500+ assists in a single season. – 11:19 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Nikola Jokic is the first player in NBA history with
2,000 points
1,000 rebounds
500 assists
in a single season. pic.twitter.com/j4DBLwFylF – 11:19 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic is the first player in NBA history with 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a season. pic.twitter.com/PJ2bi8Cw8e – 11:19 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Denver’s bench wants to see the record so bad they’re throwing the quarter to try to get Joker back in. – 11:18 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic is back in the game.
2000+ point, 1000+ rebound, 500+ assist season is back on the table.
Alsi Denver’s lead is evaporating like it is 140 degrees in here. – 11:18 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
The Nuggets couldn’t get Jokic 2 points. He’s done one bucket short of round-and-visually-appealing 2000 / 1000 / 500. I assume he’ll play against the Lakers anyway but it’s hilarious to me. – 11:12 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Looks like Nikola Jokic is subbing out two points away from the NBA’s first 2,000 point, 1,000 rebound, 500 assist season ever. – 11:10 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
I love that Denver absolutely cannot scheme to get Jokic a shot. They have no idea how to do that. Memphis said “we’ll make it hard” and Denver was like “oh noooooo.” Most stressful massive fourth quarter lead in a while, and I assume Jokic is done. – 11:10 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic is 2 points from being the first player in NBA histroy with 2000 points, 1000 rebounds and 500 assists or more in a single season and he is in the game up 26 and he is dishing out assists in stead of shooting.
This is the true Jokic experience. – 11:10 PM Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
The Nuggets lead 105-78 after 3. Jokic has 29-13-6, which leaves him two points shy of the first 2,000-point, 1,000-rebound, 500-assist season in NBA history. H/T: @Ryan Blackburn – 11:00 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Jokic is trying hard not to set this record. It’s soooo Jokic to not want his name to be the first one in the record books. – 10:56 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Bones Hyland dropped that pass to Jokic for the dunk, took off running to high five courtside fans — including Russ and Ciara — and then accidently knowcked a clipboard out of an assistant coach of the Grizzlies’ hands.
The man is all energy, all the time. – 10:52 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Bones Hyland whips the ball behind his back to himself on the fastbreak, finds Joker for the jam, then takes off running down the court high-fiving all the courtside fans lol. – 10:51 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Anthony Edwards tonight:
49 PTS (career high)
6 REB
8 AST
6 3P
Edwards has the same amount of 40 point games this season as Jokic and LeBron. pic.twitter.com/T5nKIK0zPJ – 10:35 PM Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
Why is Jokic eligible for all-NBA at center and forward instead of center and guard? – 10:31 PM Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Precious Achiuwa was asked who he’d pick for MVP between Embiid, Jokic and Giannis: “I’d rather not answer that question. I’d pick Pascal Siakam.” – 10:26 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic’s first half vs. Memphis: 17 points (8-11 FG’s, 8-9 from two-point range), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, only one turnover in 18 minutes. Nuggets were a +24 with him on the floor that half. Lead Memphis by 17 at the break. – 10:14 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Halftime rotations for the Nuggets as they lead the Grizzlies 70-53:
-AG: holy shit. 20 points on 6/7 FG, defended Dillon Brooks v well
-Joker was bleeding his own blood, then he dropped 17-9-4 on +24 in the first half
-Bones was a +24 in 11 first half minutes. Was very good.
– pic.twitter.com/bT7MByun6B – 10:13 PM Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
The Nuggets win the second quarter 36-23 to take a 70–53 lead at halftime. Gordon leads the Nuggets with 20 points on 6-7 FG, 3-3 3PT, 5-5 FT. Jokic with 17-9-4 on 8-11 FG. Hyland with 11 off the bench. Kyle Anderson leads Memphis with nine points. – 10:12 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
One fun part of this matchup is watching Adams, the strongest man in the league, have to match Jokic straight up because Jokic is unphased by that 7 foot wall of muscle. Nikola is stronger than he gets credit for. pic.twitter.com/YogxFENFtZ – 10:10 PM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Jokic has never looked sillier or more dominant. – 10:05 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Man it’s unreal how Nikola Jokic controls the game. Man is gliding out there – 10:05 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Really encouraging stretch here from the #Nuggets. They’re pushing the pace, playing unselfish basketball and defending on top of it. Denver outrebounding Memphis 19-11 and already with three players (Jokic, AG, Bones) in double-figures. – 9:59 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Bad news for all my headband homies: Jokic has taken it off. pic.twitter.com/8nbA6YdWSJ – 9:53 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Jokic playing against the Memphis bench is just rough for the Grizzlies. Ya done it to yourselves – don’t split the guy’s noggin open like a ripe pumpkin in the first quarter so he misses time and he won’t take it out on your bench. – 9:45 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Nikola “J-Bo” Jokic with the headband – 9:45 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
The Nuggets just flipped the quarter around FAST. A lot of Jokic and no scoring from the Grizzlies – 9:35 PM Chris Vernon @ChrisVernonShow
Jokic with a headband is a different deal. I’m disoriented. – 9:34 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Jokic with the leggings and headband looks exactly like how I imagine @Adam Mares rolls into the rec center for a game. – 9:31 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Headband Jokic makes it look like the big man got a lil sauce lol – 9:29 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic is back in. With a headband. pic.twitter.com/UnnxtLTDmE – 9:26 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Headband Jokic is here. pic.twitter.com/DIl8p6LOyg – 9:25 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Headband Jokic has made an appearance. – 9:25 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Aaaaand Jokic is heading back to the scorers table. – 9:25 PM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
The Nuggets season is going to come down to how well Jokic can play through head trauma. – 9:24 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic is out once again as he gets his head tended to. Boogie is back in and it’s not going well for Denver. – 9:23 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic is bleeding again. In comes DeMarcus Cousins. – 9:23 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
It’s sad the Nuggets have one of the best players of this era on their team and the fans in Denver just cheer twice as loud for Russell Wilson and Ciara than they ever have for Nikola Jokic. – 9:21 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Here’s Jaren Jackson Jr.’s elbow connecting with the side of Nikola Jokic’s head. Jokic was out of the game for two minutes while Nuggets trainers wiped down the blood. Just checked back into the game. pic.twitter.com/aimJxDtTMW – 9:21 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Looks like Nikola Jokic will check back in after the timeout. Desmond Bane’s footwork on his 3-pointers has been so good. One reason why his game is expanding.
10-4 Grizzlies lead. Timeout Nuggets. – 9:18 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Jokic is checking back in. Glad he’s OK. That was bloody. – 9:16 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic is checking back in. – 9:16 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
First minute of the game and Jokic has been busted open like this is an MMA fight, blood pouring out. Hoping for no concussion. – 9:15 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Nikola Jokic just had a lot of blood coming from his head… yikes. Boogie Cousins is in for the Nuggets. – 9:14 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Boogie is coming in for the bleeding Jokic, who took a shot to the head.
Jokic has not headed back to the locker room. – 9:13 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Game just got stopped 51 seconds into the first quarter. Nikola Jokic got cut on his head and was bleeding pretty bad. – 9:12 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic looks like he took a shot to the head and he’s bleeding. He is getting looked at by the medical staff right now. – 9:12 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Game stops while team trainers tend to Nikola Jokic, whose face/head is bleeding. – 9:12 PM Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Nikola Jokic has blood gushing down his face. My word. Ugly scene. – 9:12 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets starters tonight vs. Grizzlies
Monte Morris
Will Barton
Aaron Gordon
Jeff Green
Nikola Jokic – 8:50 PM Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Coach Jenkins says they have to have good pick-up points against Jokic in this game and be aggressive on the ball so he cannot easily get to his spots. – 7:36 PM

More on this storyline

Kendra Andrews: Draymond Green says that Ja Morant should not be MIP. He’s in the MVP conversation. Jordan Poole, Green says, is the definition of the guy who has improved the most this season. -via Twitter @kendra__andrews / April 10, 2022 Michael Singer: Asked Vlatko about Nikola: “You always think about players like Kobe, LeBron, being so intimidating. Joker’s like the complete opposite, but once he goes on the court, it’s like, ‘Man, this guy is a tough mother******.” Does he care about MVP? “No, he only cares about winning.” -via Twitter @msinger / April 9, 2022 Michael Singer: Nikola Jokic on MVP/his status: “To be honest, I think there is a lot of guys that are playing at an extremely high level. … I’m just trying to be humble, to stay on the ground. … I don’t think about that to be honest, am I one of the best? I’m just trying to win the game.” -via Twitter @msinger / April 8, 2022