Nikola Jokic secures historic triple double as Nuggets defeat Grizzlies

Denver climbs toward home court advantage with comeback win, Jokic makes NBA history.

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Scotty Pippen Jr. #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Ball Arena on April 11, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Nikola Jokic’s triple double heroics powered the Denver Nuggets to a 117-109 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, strengthening their playoff position and securing his place in NBA history. The Nikola Jokic triple double — his 34th of the season — saw the Serbian superstar record 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 13 assists. With this performance, he becomes just the third player in league history to average a triple double for an entire season.

Jokic now joins Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook in an elite club that underlines his status as one of the greatest all-around players the NBA has ever seen. It was a night that brought more than just personal accolades — the win also boosts Denver’s hopes for home court advantage in the upcoming playoffs.

Nuggets rally behind Jokic and Murray for comeback win

The game itself was a dramatic back-and-forth battle. Denver trailed by 15 points at one stage but clawed their way back, eventually sealing the win in the final minutes. Interim head coach David Adelman, overseeing only his second game after replacing Michael Malone earlier this week, praised the resilience and chemistry of his players — particularly Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Murray, returning from a six-game absence due to an ankle injury, scored 15 points and dished out seven assists. He was key in the closing stages, including a vital step-back jumper and a behind-the-back pass to Jokic that helped seal the win.

The Nikola Jokic triple double was the centerpiece of the Nuggets’ rally. Jokic’s ability to control the tempo, create plays, and dominate the glass once again proved decisive. Aaron Gordon also had a standout performance, leading all scorers with 33 points.

Adelman praises MVP-worthy season from Jokic

Speaking after the game, Adelman didn’t hold back in his admiration for Jokic’s season-long dominance.

“If he doesn’t win the MVP, then it is the greatest season of all-time not to win the MVP,” said Adelman. “You can’t overstate what he’s done, not just tonight but night after night. He’s rewriting the standard for big men in this league.”

Adelman also acknowledged Murray’s impact, highlighting his endurance and ability to deliver when it mattered most.

“You can tell he was exhausted. He hasn’t played in a long time… but the harder it gets, the more tired he gets, the better he plays,” Adelman said. “To watch those guys play the two-man game at the end — I’d buy a ticket to watch that.”

Nuggets eye home court advantage in the West

The win moves the Nuggets to a 49-32 record on the season, putting them within striking distance of securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference. With one game remaining, Denver can still lock down home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs, a key goal for a team looking to defend their 2023 NBA title.

For Memphis, the loss drops them to 47-34. They now face a critical final game against the Dallas Mavericks to solidify their own playoff seeding.

Around the league: Thunder and Cavaliers headline the night

Elsewhere in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder — already locked in as the top seed in the West — continued to flex their offensive firepower with a 145-111 demolition of the Utah Jazz. Aaron Wiggins poured in a career-high 35 points while Isaiah Joe added 32. The Thunder did all this without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed a second straight game due to a shin injury.

In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers cemented their status as the top seed with a gritty 108-102 comeback win over the New York Knicks. Darius Garland was the hero for the Cavs, scoring 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to erase a 23-point deficit.

The Knicks, however, had already locked in the third seed thanks to the Indiana Pacers resting their starters in a 129-115 loss to the Orlando Magic. That decision has raised eyebrows, with some suggesting the Pacers may be strategically avoiding a tough first-round matchup.

Celtics hit 60-win mark, while Pelicans suffer historic loss

The Boston Celtics, already confirmed as the second seed in the East, collected their 60th win of the season in dominant fashion, blowing out the Charlotte Hornets 130-94. With their playoff position secure, Boston continues to fine-tune its rotation ahead of the postseason.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans endured one of the worst nights in franchise history, suffering a 153-104 blowout loss to the Miami Heat — the heaviest regular season defeat in the team’s existence. Bam Adebayo needed just 22 minutes to deliver 23 points and 12 rebounds as the Heat crushed a short-handed Pelicans squad.

Despite the lopsided win, Miami’s playoff position remains unchanged. The Heat are locked into 10th place and will face the Chicago Bulls in a do-or-die play-in game on Wednesday.

A record-setting season for Jokic

As the regular season winds down, the Nikola Jokic triple double streak will stand as one of the defining narratives of the NBA campaign. Not only has Jokic led Denver to the brink of another deep playoff run, but he’s done so while making history in the process.

His unique blend of vision, strength, and basketball IQ continues to baffle defenders and delight fans. Whether or not he wins his third MVP award, Jokic’s place in NBA history is secure.

For the Nuggets, the focus now shifts to postseason success. With momentum building, a healthy Murray, and Jokic playing at a historically high level, Denver enters the playoffs as one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

And if Friday night’s performance is any indication, no team should take the Nikola Jokic triple double lightly.