NBA Notes: Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Thunder, Hornets, Miles Bridges

Nuggets

Nikola Jokic just keeps adding to his already legendary resume. In the Nuggets’ 124-122 win over the Thunder on Wednesday, the reigning Finals MVP put up a stat line that left no doubt about his place among the all-time greats.

With 23 points, 20 rebounds, and 16 assists, Jokić recorded his third triple-double of the season—and in doing so, became just the second player in the past 40 years to notch 20+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 15+ assists in a game. The other guy? His teammate Russell Westbrook, who accomplished the feat back in 2019 with Oklahoma City.

For both players, triple-doubles have almost become routine, with Westbrook leading the active players at 199 and Jokic right behind with 134.

But it’s what Jokic has been doing this season that’s got everyone talking. Through the first eight games, he’s averaging a triple-double himself — 28.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. If he keeps it up, he’ll become just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season. Only Westbrook and Oscar Robertson have done that before.

Jokic has already captured three MVPs and an NBA championship, but he’s still playing at an MVP level. With his ability to dominate in every facet of the game — scoring, rebounding, playmaking — he’s giving the shorthanded Nuggets hope, and making some history along the way.

Thunder

The Thunder had another major test on Wednesday night, and this time, they didn’t pass it. After holding a lead for nearly three quarters, they fell 124-122 to the Nuggets, who made all the right adjustments in the second half.

The combination of Nikola Jokic’s steady brilliance and Russell Westbrook’s experience was too much for the Thunder, who struggled to recover after Denver made its run.

This loss exposed some things for OKC. They were rattled in the third quarter when the Nuggets turned up the defensive pressure, forcing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander into mistakes he normally wouldn’t make.

As a team, the Thunder didn’t respond with their usual composure, and they found themselves out of sorts in ways we hadn’t seen this season.

The silver lining is that this is just one loss, but it could sting more than expected. Confidence is key for a young team like OKC, and while they’re far from broken, it wouldn’t hurt to bounce back quickly. A win in Houston on Friday could do the trick.

The Thunder have shown they can be one of the league’s top defensive teams, and that intensity must remain. Guards like Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace have set the tone on that end, but it has to stay consistent.

Offensively, they’re still finding their rhythm, sitting in the middle of the pack in shooting percentages. That’s where the Thunder need to improve — if they can get that offense to match their defensive intensity, they’re going to be an even tougher team to beat.

Hornets

The Hornets will be without forward Miles Bridges for at least one game due to a bruised right knee, the team announced Thursday. Bridges sustained the injury in the Hornets’ 108-107 victory over the Pistons.

An MRI revealed that he suffered a bone bruise after hyperextending his right knee during the game. As a result, Bridges has been ruled out for Friday’s matchup against the Pacers, and his status for subsequent games remains uncertain.

The injury will be reevaluated in two weeks, so the Hornets will have to adjust without one of their key contributors for the immediate future.