On January 11th, Beijing time, the NBA regular season saw the Nuggets defeat the Nets 124-109 at home, sweeping the Nets for the second time this season. Jokic returned to the court after missing two games due to illness, going 13 of 19 from the field for 35 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists, and 4 steals. He played both offensively and defensively, making an unreasonable 2+1 without looking at the basket, with a +33 plus-minus rating, delivering another MVP-level performance; Westbrook had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, with a +21 plus-minus rating, as Jokic and Westbrook both recorded triple-doubles again.
Due to illness, Jokic missed consecutive games against the Celtics and Clippers. Today, Jokic returned to full health and immediately displayed his dominance in his first game back; in the first quarter, he ravaged the paint, continuously scoring points, and even made an unreasonable 2+1 without looking at the basket, going 6 of 8 for 14 points in the quarter, grabbing 3 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists, showcasing his versatility.
In the second quarter, Jokic played very relaxed on the court, with Westbrook, Struthers, and Watson providing firepower. The Nuggets won the quarter 33-23, overtaking the score by 10 points. At halftime, the Nuggets led 65-59 by 6 points; in the first half, Jokic went 8 of 13 for 20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, while Westbrook contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
In the third quarter, Jokic opened the scoring with a three-pointer, easily layup in transition, protected rebounds, and connected with teammates, with Porter Jr. and Westbrook contributing threes. The Nuggets went on a 25-9 run to extend their lead to 22 points. The Nets then went on an 11-4 run to close the gap, finishing the quarter with the Nuggets leading 94-79 by 15 points. In this quarter, Jokic went 2 of 3 for 6 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds.
In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets were hit by a 13-3 counterattack by the Nets, leaving their lead down to just 5 points. After a timeout, Jokic scored and made a long pass to assist Braun, protecting the rebound to secure a triple-double; Westbrook, Braun, and Watson attacked the basket, and the Nuggets went on a run to widen the gap again. Facing the Nets' comeback, Westbrook assisted, and Jokic scored consecutively in the paint. With 2 minutes and 48 seconds left, Westbrook assisted Braun, also securing a triple-double, as the Nets conceded early. Jokic assisted Westbrook with a dunk, and Westbrook also hit a three-pointer, ultimately securing the victory for the Nuggets.
Jokic and Westbrook's triple-doubles continue to set records:
- Jokic has recorded his 145th career triple-double, ranking third in history behind Robertson and Westbrook.
- Jokic has recorded his 15th triple-double this season, continuing to lead the league.
- Jokic has recorded another triple-double alongside Westbrook.
- Westbrook has recorded his 202nd career triple-double, breaking the historical record.
