Nikola Jokic becomes the third fastest player to reach 50 triple doubles

Nikola Jokic (Google Images)

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic of Sombor, Serbia recorded his 50th triple-double of his career on Tuesday in a surprising 128-97 Denver Nuggets clobbering over the Milwaukee Bucks. Jokic had 37 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in the contest. In the process, Jokic became the third-youngest player in NBA history to record 50 career triple-doubles and only the second center in NBA history with 50 career triple-doubles according to Jack Maloney of CBS Sports. 

Jokic recorded his 50th career triple-double at the age of 26 years and 11 days. The only players who were younger than Jokic when they had their 50th triple-double were Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Oscar Robertson of the Cincinnati Royals.

Jokic also joins the great Wilt Chamberlain as the only centers in NBA history with 50 triple-doubles. Chamberlain had 78 triple-doubles. However one must realize, Jokic has played only 416 games in his career (averaging a triple-double once in every 8.32 games), and Chamberlain played in 1045 games in his career (averaged a triple-double once in every 13.4 games).

Jokic also becomes only the ninth player ever to record 50 triple-doubles in a NBA career. In addition to Chamberlain, Johnson, and Robertson, the other five on that list are Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards (156), Jason Kidd (107), Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers (97), Larry Bird (59), and James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets (54). Robertson has the record for most triple-doubles (181), while Johnson is third (138).

Jokic is averaging a double-double this season. He has 27.3 points per game, as well as 11 rebounds. The Nuggets are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference. Their record is 20 wins and 15 losses.

Fill In The Form Below To Receive Our NBA News Straight To Your Email For FREE!