Nikola Jokic Makes History vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had a historic first half vs. the Grizzlies
Nikola Jokic Makes History vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Nikola Jokic Makes History vs. Memphis Grizzlies /

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is always making NBA history with his incredible stat lines, and did so again on Thursday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Putting up 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block on 100% shooting in the first half, Jokic joined himself and Pau Gasol as the only two players in NBA history with such a half since the league began tracking such data.

This data is found via Basketball Reference's StatHead, which shows Jokic has achieved this line two other times in a half in his career, whereas the only other instance came from Gasol in 2017.

The history did not stop in the first half for Jokic, as he finished with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists on a perfect 11/11 from the field, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only other player in NBA history with that line or better on 100% shooting, per StatHead.

This combination of production and efficiency is often what separates Jokic from other stars in the league. While he has off nights from the field like anyone else, Jokic is typically very efficient, and was perfect from the floor in this game.

Memphis ruled Ja Morant out due to an illness shortly before this game began, which unfortunately removed a lot of the intrigue from what would have been a very exciting matchup. With Jokic available and Morant out, Denver had a serious star power advantage from the jump in this game, which showed itself in this one.

Related Articles

Michael Malone Reveals Hilarious Moment With Nikola Jokic After Ejection

Victor Wembanyama Makes History vs. Nuggets

Nuggets Starter Shares Amazing Message About Nikola Jokic


Published
Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.