History of Nikola Jokić in Timeline

Nikola Jokić, a Serbian center for the Denver Nuggets, is considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Known as "Joker," he's an eight-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA Team selection. Jokić has won the NBA MVP award three times (2020–21, 2021–22, and 2023-24) and is recognized as a draft steal. He represents Serbia internationally, winning a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1953: Quadruple Overtime Game

During Game 3 against Portland, Jokić logged 65 minutes, the most since 1953, where another quadruple-overtime game occurred in the playoffs.

1955: Jim Tucker's Triple-Double Record

In 1955, Jim Tucker set the record for the fastest triple-double in NBA history at 17 minutes; this is relevant because the provided text states that Nikola Jokić bested Jim Tucker's previous record.

1959: Elgin Baylor's Achievement

In 1959, Elgin Baylor was one of the three instances in NBA history of a player tallying 56 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists in a game. Jokić matched this on December 8.

1961: Elgin Baylor's Performance

In 1961, Elgin Baylor was one of the first two players in NBA history to record back-to-back games with at least 45 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Jokić did it on December 9.

1961: Oscar Robertson's NBA Record

In 1961, Oscar Robertson was one of the three players in NBA history, to begin a season with four consecutive triple-doubles. Jokic matched this on October 29, 2025.

1961: Joining Oscar Robertson

In 1961-62, Oscar Robertson had at least 2,000 points, 900 rebounds, and 700 assists in a season, joining Jokić as the only other player in NBA history to reach those marks.

1962: Oscar Robertson's Achievement

In 1962, Oscar Robertson was the only player in NBA history to achieve the stat line of 29 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists in a game, before Jokic matched it on October 29, 2024.

1963: Joining an Exclusive Group

In 1963, Jokić joined Robertson, Chamberlain (1967), James Worthy (1988), and James (2020) in an exclusive group of players to record a 25-point, 15-rebound, and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

1963: Wilt Chamberlain's Achievement

In 1963, Wilt Chamberlain was one of the first two players in NBA history to record back-to-back games with at least 45 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Jokić did it on December 9.

1966: Wilt Chamberlain's Triple-Double

In 1966, Wilt Chamberlain had a triple-double with 30 or more points without missing a field goal.

1966: First Second-Round Draft Pick to Win MVP

Jokić became the first-ever player to be drafted in the second round of the common draft era (since 1966) to win the MVP award in 2021.

1967: Starting Season with 12 Straight Games

In 1967, Elgin Baylor started a season with 12 straight games of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds.

1967: Breaking Chamberlain's Record

In 1967, Jokić broke Chamberlain's NBA record for triple-doubles in a single postseason.

1967: Joining an Exclusive Group

In 1967, Jokić joined Robertson (1963), Chamberlain, James Worthy (1988), and James (2020) in an exclusive group of players to record a 25-point, 15-rebound, and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

1967: Wilt Chamberlain's Triple-Double

In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain had a triple-double with 30 or more points without missing a field goal.

1968: Wilt Chamberlain's Game

In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain recorded a 20/20/15 game, before Jokić joined Russell Westbrook on April 2, 2019, as the second player to achieve this since then.

1968: First NBA player since Chamberlain with at least 35 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game

On December 18, 2022, Jokić put up a triple-double with 40 points, a career-high 27 rebounds, and 10 assists. He also became the first NBA player since Chamberlain in 1968 to put up at least 35 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.

1968: First center to record at least 18 assists

On December 29, 2020, Jokić became the first center to record at least 18 assists in a game since Chamberlain in 1968.

1975: Most 25-20-10 Games

After the 1975-76 season, Jokić holds the record for most 25-20-10 games in NBA playoff history with four.

1975: First center with 50 points and 10 assists

On February 6, 2021, Jokić became the first center to record at least 50 points and 10 assists since Abdul-Jabbar in 1975.

1976: 20 Consecutive Double-Double Games

In February 2021, Jokić opened the season with 20 consecutive double-double games, putting him only behind Bill Walton (34 in 1976–77) since the American Basketball Association merged with the NBA in 1976.

1976: 30/20/10 Game

On February 4, 2020, Jokić recorded 30 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 98–95 victory over the Utah Jazz, marking the first 30/20/10 game by any NBA player in four years, and only the third since Abdul-Jabbar in 1976.

1977: Responsible for 71 Points Without Turnover

Since turnovers were first tracked in 1977–78, Jokić became the first player in NBA history to score or assist on 70+ points in a playoff game without committing a turnover.

1982: Opening Season with Triple-Double

In 1982, Magic Johnson opened the NBA season with a triple-double.

1984: Passing Johnson and the Lakers

In 1984, Jokić and the Nuggets surpassed Magic Johnson and the Lakers' record for consecutive team wins when a player had a triple-double in NBA history.

1987: Joining Teammates in Finals History

In 1987, Jokić and Jamal Murray became only the second pair of teammates in NBA history to each put up at least 25 points and 10 assists in an NBA Finals game since Magic Johnson and James Worthy in the 1987 NBA Finals.

1987: Passing Johnson and the Lakers

In 1987, Jokić and the Nuggets surpassed Magic Johnson and the Lakers' record for consecutive team wins when a player had a triple-double in NBA history.

1988: Fat Lever's Triple-Doubles

In 1988, Fat Lever had nine triple doubles in a season; Nikola Jokić set the most triple-doubles by a Nuggets player in a season since Fat Lever had nine in 1988-89.

1988: Joining an Exclusive Group

In 1988, Jokić joined Robertson (1963), Chamberlain (1967), James Worthy, and James (2020) in an exclusive group of players to record a 25-point, 15-rebound, and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

1988: 25-plus points, 20-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists

On December 27, 2021, Jokić tied his career best with 22 rebounds and added 26 points, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks. He also became the first player to record 25-plus points, 20-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists in consecutive games since Charles Barkley in 1988.

1992: Larry Bird's Achievement

In 1992, Larry Bird had one of the four times in NBA history a line of 48 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals has been achieved in NBA history. Jokić did it on December 9.

February 19, 1995: Nikola Jokić's Birth

On February 19, 1995, Nikola Jokić was born. He is a Serbian professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Play-by-Play Data Began

Since play-by-play data began in 1997–98, on November 12, 2025, Jokić became the first player to reach 50 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists before the 4th quarter.

2000: NBA Most Valuable Player Award

For his regular season performance, Jokić won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2021, becoming the first center to win the award since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.

2006: Triple-Double in Playoff Debut

In the Nuggets' first-round playoff series, Nikola Jokić became the fourth player in NBA history to record a triple-double in his playoff debut and the first since James in 2006.

May 2009: Conference Semifinals Game

In Game 1 of the second round against the Trail Blazers in May 2009, Jokić scored 37 points, becoming the first Nuggets player to score 35+ points in a conference semifinals game since Anthony had 41 points.

2011: First All-Star Since Anthony

In 2011, the Nuggets hadn't had an All-Star since Carmelo Anthony until Jokić got his first All-Star selection on January 31, 2019.

2011: All-Star Starter

In February 2021, Jokić was selected for his third consecutive All-Star appearance, this time as a starter, becoming the first Nuggets player to start in the All-Star game since Anthony in 2011.

2011: Back-to-Back All-Star Nod

On January 30, 2020, Jokić was selected to his second consecutive All-Star nod, becoming the first Nugget since Anthony in 2011 to have back-to-back honors.

December 2012: Signed with Mega Vizura

In December 2012, Nikola Jokić signed a contract with Mega Vizura.

February 2013: Signed a Four-Year Contract with Mega Vizura

In February 2013, Nikola Jokić officially signed a four-year contract with Mega Vizura.

March 2013: Ty Lawson Earned Player of the Week

In March 2013, Ty Lawson earned the Western Conference Player of the Week award; this is relevant because the provided text states that Nikola Jokić became the first Nugget to earn the award since Lawson.

2013: Silver Medal at FIBA Under-19 World Championship

In 2013, Jokić was a member of the Serbian U-19 national basketball team that won the silver medal at the FIBA Under-19 World Championship.

2013: Increased Playing Time for Mega Vizura

In 2013, Nikola Jokić saw more minutes on the court for the senior team, Mega Vizura. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game over 25 Adriatic League games.

June 26, 2014: Drafted by the Denver Nuggets

On June 26, 2014, Nikola Jokić was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

2014: Lowest-Drafted Player to be Named MVP

Having been selected 41st overall in the 2014 NBA draft, Jokić became the lowest-drafted player in NBA history to be named MVP.

2014: Drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the 2014 NBA draft

In 2014, Nikola Jokić was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the NBA draft.

2014: 2014-15 ABA League Performance

In the 2014-15 ABA League, Nikola Jokić averaged 15.4 points, league-leading 9.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while leading the league with an index rating of 22.

February 7, 2015: Scored 27 Points and Grabbed 15 Rebounds

On February 7, 2015, Nikola Jokić scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in an 88–77 loss to Szolnoki Olaj.

March 26, 2015: Named Adriatic League Regular Season MVP

On March 26, 2015, Nikola Jokić was officially named the Adriatic League regular season MVP.

June 8, 2015: Scored 23 Points in Playoff Semifinals

On June 8, 2015, Nikola Jokić scored 23 points in a loss to Crvena Zvezda in the playoff semifinals of the Serbian League.

July 28, 2015: Signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets

On July 28, 2015, Nikola Jokić signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets.

2015: Russell Westbrook's Performance

In 2015, Russell Westbrook had one of the four times in NBA history a line of 48 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals has been achieved in NBA history. Jokić did it on December 9.

January 10, 2016: Recorded a Career-High Nine Assists

On January 10, 2016, Nikola Jokić recorded a then career-high nine assists in a 95–92 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

October 29, 2016: Recorded 23 Points and a Career-High 17 Rebounds

On October 29, 2016, Nikola Jokić recorded 23 points and a then career-high 17 rebounds in a 115–113 overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

2016: 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In 2016, Jokić represented Serbia at the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, earning tournament MVP honors.

2016: Opening Season with Triple-Double

In 2016, LeBron James opened the NBA season with a triple-double.

2016: Voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2016

In 2016, Nikola Jokić was voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2016: Silver Medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Nikola Jokić, representing the Serbian national team, won a silver medal at the Summer Olympics.

January 16, 2017: Scored a Career-High 30 Points

On January 16, 2017, Nikola Jokić scored a then career-high 30 points in a 125–112 victory over the Orlando Magic.

February 28, 2017: Recorded Third Career Triple-Double

On February 28, 2017, Nikola Jokić recorded his third career triple-double with 19 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in a 125–107 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

November 7, 2017: Scored a Career-High 41 Points

On November 7, 2017, Nikola Jokić scored a then career-high 41 points in a 112–104 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

2017: Russell Westbrook's Performance

In 2017, Russell Westbrook had one of the four times in NBA history a line of 48 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals has been achieved in NBA history. Jokić did it on December 9.

January 8, 2018: First Triple-Double of the Season

On January 8, 2018, Nikola Jokić had his first triple-double of the season with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 124–114 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

July 9, 2018: Signed a $148 Million Contract Extension with the Nuggets

On July 9, 2018, Nikola Jokić signed a five-year, $148 million maximum contract extension with the Denver Nuggets.

2018: James Harden's 60-point Triple Double

In 2018, James Harden was one of the three players to achieve a 60-point triple double, after Jokic did it on April 1.

2018: Joining Chris Paul

In 2018, Jokić joined Chris Paul as the second player in NBA postseason history to finish a game with at least 40 points, 10 assists, and no turnovers.

2018: First All-Star and All-NBA First Team Selections

In 2018, Nikola Jokić received his first All-Star and All-NBA First Team selections while leading the Nuggets to the Western Conference Semifinals.

January 5, 2019: Season-High 39 Points Against Hornets

On January 5, 2019, Nikola Jokić scored a then season-high 39 points, along with 12 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a 123–110 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

April 2, 2019: Joined Russell Westbrook in 20/20/15 Game

On April 2, 2019, Jokić joined Russell Westbrook as the second player to record a 20/20/15 game since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968.

May 24, 2019: Announcement to Play for Serbia at 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup

On May 24, 2019, Jokić announced he would play for Serbia at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

November 8, 2019: Game-Winning Jumper Against 76ers

On November 8, 2019, Jokić made a game-winning jumper against the Philadelphia 76ers with 1.2 seconds remaining, to give the Nuggets a 98–97 victory.

January 6, 2020: Career-High 47 Points Against Hawks

On January 6, 2020, Nikola Jokić scored a then career-high 47 points against the Atlanta Hawks in a 123–115 road victory.

December 29, 2020: Career-High 18 Assists

On December 29, 2020, Jokić recorded a then career-high 18 assists against the Houston Rockets in a 124–111 victory, becoming the first center to record at least 18 assists in a game since Chamberlain in 1968.

2020: Joining an Exclusive Group

In 2020, Jokić joined Robertson (1963), Chamberlain (1967), James Worthy (1988), and James in an exclusive group of players to record a 25-point, 15-rebound, and 10-assist stat line in a clinching opportunity.

2020: NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2020-21 season

In 2020, Nikola Jokić was named the NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2020-21 season.

2020: Russell Westbrook's NBA Record

In 2020, Russell Westbrook was one of the three players in NBA history, to begin a season with four consecutive triple-doubles. Jokic matched this on October 29, 2025.

February 6, 2021: Career-High 50 Points

On February 6, 2021, Jokić recorded a then career-high 50 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists, and three blocks in a 119–114 loss to the Sacramento Kings. He set a franchise record for being the first Nuggets player with at least 50 points and 10 assists while also becoming the first center to do so since Abdul-Jabbar in 1975.

November 8, 2021: Ejection After Shoving Morris

On November 8, 2021, Jokić and opposing forward Markieff Morris were both ejected after Morris shoved Jokić, leading Jokić to shoulder Morris in the back.

2021: NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2021-22 season

In 2021, Nikola Jokić was named the NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2021-22 season.

January 25, 2022: 5,000 Rebounds and 3,000 Assists

On January 25, 2022, Jokić recorded 28 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists in a 110–105 victory over the Detroit Pistons. He also became the only player in NBA history to record 5,000 rebounds and 3,000 assists within his first 500 career games.

June 15, 2022: Return to National Team

On June 15, 2022, Jokić announced that he would return to the national team after three years for the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers and the EuroBasket 2022.

July 1, 2022: Supermax Contract Extension

On July 1, 2022, Jokić agreed to a five-year, $264 million supermax contract extension with the Nuggets, making it the richest deal in NBA history at the time of the signing.

2022: Luka Dončić's Record

In 2022, Luka Dončić was one of the three instances in NBA history of a player tallying 56 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists in a game. Jokić matched this on December 8.

2022: Luka Dončić's 60-point Triple Double

In 2022, Luka Dončić was one of the three players to achieve a 60-point triple double, after Jokic did it on April 1.

2022: Awarded NBA Finals MVP

In 2022, Nikola Jokić was awarded NBA Finals MVP after leading the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship.

January 1, 2023: Triple-Double with No Turnovers

On January 1, 2023, Jokić recorded his 85th career triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and no turnovers in a 123–111 victory over the Boston Celtics, becoming the first player in NBA history to have multiple games of at least 30 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds without a turnover.

July 2023: Opted out of the 2023 FIBA World Cup

In July 2023, Jokić opted not to be selected for the 2023 FIBA World Cup due to physical and mental fatigue following his victorious season at Denver Nuggets.

October 24, 2023: Triple-Double to Open NBA Championship Defense

On October 24, 2023, Nikola Jokić recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists as the Denver Nuggets started the defense of their NBA championship with a 119–107 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, joining Magic Johnson (1982) and LeBron James (2016) as the only reigning Finals MVPs to open an NBA season with a triple-double.

2023: Winner of Hickok Belt

In 2023, Jokić was named winner of the Hickok Belt, presented annually by the National Sports Media Association to the top professional athlete in the United States.

2023: NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2023-24 season

In 2023, Nikola Jokić was named the NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2023-24 season.

January 4, 2024: Game-Winning Shot Against the Warriors

On January 4, 2024, Jokić scored 34 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, and hit a buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer in a 130–127 victory over the Warriors.

June 10, 2024: Inclusion on Serbia's preliminary roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics

On June 10, 2024, Nikola Jokić was named to Serbia's preliminary roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

October 26, 2024: 41 Points and Career-High Seven 3-Pointers

On October 26, 2024, Nikola Jokić scored 41 points and achieved a career-high of seven 3-pointers in a 109–103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

November 2024: Birth of son Ignjat

In November 2024, Nikola Jokić and his wife, Natalija Mačešić, welcomed their second child, a son named Ignjat.

2024: Bronze Medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Nikola Jokić, representing the Serbian national team, won a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics.

January 2, 2025: 20/15/15 in Less Than 30 Minutes

On January 2, 2025, Jokić recorded 23 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists in 29:31 minutes, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 20/15/15 in less than 30 minutes during a 139–120 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

July 2025: Inclusion on Serbia's preliminary roster for EuroBasket 2025

In July 2025, Nikola Jokić was included on Serbia's preliminary roster for EuroBasket 2025.

October 29, 2025: Fourth Consecutive Triple-Double to Start the Season

On October 29, 2025, Jokić recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, matching an NBA record with his fourth consecutive triple-double to start the season, as the Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 122–88. He became the third player in NBA history to achieve this feat.

January 30, 2026: 30+ Points, 10+ Rebounds, and 5+ Assists in Less Than 25 Minutes

On January 30, 2026, Jokić returned to the court after a 16-game absence, putting up 31 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists, in a 122–109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists while playing less than 25 minutes in a game.

February 4, 2026: 181st Career Triple-Double

On February 4, 2026, Jokić achieved his 181st triple-double in a 127–134 overtime loss to the New York Knicks, recording 30 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and zero turnovers, tying him with Oscar Robertson for the second most triple-doubles all-time.