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Tonight marked the first date in NBA history where multiple former MVP winners scored 50+ points on the same night.
Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry (AP)
Tonight, Stephen Curry scored 52 points and Nikola Jokić scored an even more impressive 61 points, marking the first date in NBA history where multiple former MVP winners scored 50+ points on the same day.
Let’s start with the Nuggets first.
Michael Malone called him Superman. At the moment, Nikola Jokic’s just super-tired.
The Denver Nuggets big man can’t wait to get some sleep after a career-best 61-point performance in which he played nearly 53 minutes. He didn’t leave the court after halftime of a 140-139 double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
His scoring spree was the most by a player in the NBA this season. Jokic also had 10 rebounds and 10 assists, notching the third 60-point triple-double in NBA history. Luka Doncic did it on Dec. 27, 2022 and James Harden did it on Jan. 30, 2018.
“The guy’s Superman,” Nuggets coach Malone said. “He’s on a whole other level, man. People say he’s not athletic, but not many guys can do what he does.”
Jokic’s previous career best was 56 points in a loss at Washington on Dec. 7. The franchise mark is held by David Thompson, who had 73 points at Detroit on April 9, 1978.
On Tuesday, Jokic attempted 24 free throws — making 19 — to match the team mark held by Carmelo Anthony. For all his exploits, Jokic had just one over-riding emotion: “Tired,” he said. “It was an exhausting game.”
Anthony Edwards gave the three-time NBA MVP major props. Jokic’s in a heated race for another MVP award with Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“Nikola Jokic, he might be the best basketball player that I have ever seen close up, besides myself,” cracked Edwards, who had 34 points and 10 rebounds. “He is incredible. The MVP race is tough. I don’t know. He had 60. That is crazy.”
Of course, this game — a sixth straight loss to Minnesota, including playoffs — will be remembered by Nuggets fans for Jokic’s exploits on the court.
Curry Makes It Rain On The Grizzlies
The last time Stephen Curry and Golden State played in Memphis, he was held without a field goal and the Warriors lost by 51 points.
Curry didn’t recall the frustration from that loss in December. And there was no repeat on Tuesday night.
Curry fired up 3-pointers throughout the contest, connecting on a dozen from long range on the way to a 52-point performance as the Warriors beat the Grizzlies 134-125.
“I had actually forgotten,” Curry said when asked if the teams’ previous game was motivation. “I was just kind of more focused on how big this game was for us.”
The victory moved the Warriors past Memphis into fifth place in the Western Conference, and benefitted in two areas. With the victory, Golden State won the season series 3-1, in essence giving them a two-game lead over the Grizzlies in the standings.
Curry connected on his first five shot, including four 3-pointers, was 11 of 16 by halftime, including 8 of 10 from distance. His 32 points in the first half gave the Warriors a lead, but they had to hold on for the victory.
Curry said he felt rejuvenated after taking a week off late last month, recovering from a left pelvic contusion. He is still wearing a pad to protect the injury, but the time off cleared his mind and helped him physically.
“I feel in a good rhythm,” he said. “The week off helped. The tank is pretty full.”
Curry’s score line of 52 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists marked the first time a Golden State player hit those marks since Rick Barry (64 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists) against Portland on March 26, 1974.
As part of Curry’s night, he also passed Jerry West and moved into 25th place on the all-time NBA scorer’s list.
“I got a little emotional about that,” Curry said of passing West. “It was special. In his memory. What he meant to our organization, the league, to the world of basketball. … That’s the logo.”
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Associated Press)
