Picture this: kicking off an NBA season with a jaw-dropping triple-double – that's the electrifying reality Nikola Jokic has just turned into history, tying a basketball legend and leaving fans wondering if he'll rewrite the record books entirely! For newcomers to the game, a triple-double is when a player achieves double-digit numbers in three of the five major statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks. It's a rare feat that showcases versatility and dominance, and Jokic has made it look effortless, especially right from the opening whistle. But here's where it gets controversial: Does chasing triple-doubles sometimes overshadow team play or pure scoring prowess, or is it the ultimate sign of a player's all-around brilliance? Let's dive in and explore this milestone, plus the broader context that makes it even more intriguing.
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets' superstar center, continues to cement his reputation as the NBA's triple-double maestro. As the 2025-2026 season gets underway, he delivered yet another impressive triple-double performance in Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors. This marks his fourth career triple-double in a season opener, putting him on equal footing with the legendary Oscar Robertson on the NBA's all-time list. For those unfamiliar with Robertson, he's often hailed as one of the game's greatest players, known for his incredible scoring, passing, and playmaking in the 1960s. To put this in perspective, imagine consistently pulling off what many pros can't manage even once in their careers – Jokic is doing it right at the start of the year, setting a tone for the season.
According to NBA PR on X (formerly Twitter), with this feat, Nikola Jokic now shares the record for the most triple-doubles in regular-season openers, matched at four with the Big O. Overall, only 22 players in NBA history have managed a triple-double in their very first game of the season. And among them, just a few remain active in the league today. Beyond the top achievers like Jokic and Robertson (who are no longer playing), the active players include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Elfrid Payton, who is currently a free agent after his last stint with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jokic's impact was pivotal in Thursday's matchup against the Warriors, even though he wasn't the Nuggets' top scorer. He logged nearly 36 minutes on the court before the game headed into overtime. From the field, he connected on 7 of 18 shots, including 2 out of 10 from three-point range, tallying 19 points during regulation. But his brilliance shone through in other areas – he dished out 10 assists and grabbed 13 rebounds, demonstrating why he's a triple-double threat every time he steps onto the floor.
The game itself was a back-and-forth thriller, with both teams holding double-digit leads at various points, but neither could seal the win in the first four quarters. Overtime provided Jokic with extra opportunities to pad his stats. In the end, he wrapped up the night with 8-for-23 shooting overall (2 of 13 from deep and 3 of 4 at the free-throw line) for 21 points, along with 10 assists, 13 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block. Despite this, the Warriors edged out a 137-131 victory, improving to 2-0 while leaving the Nuggets at 0-1 and hungry for answers.
And this is the part most people miss: While individual stats like triple-doubles grab headlines, they often highlight a player's ability to elevate teammates and control the game. Jokic's performance, for instance, isn't just about personal glory; it's a reminder of how versatile big men can reshape modern basketball. But is this stat-chasing era diluting the purity of the game, or is it innovating it? Some purists argue it prioritizes numbers over wins, while others see it as a testament to evolving player skills. What do you think – will Jokic break Robertson's opener record soon, or is the focus on triple-doubles overhyped in today's fast-paced NBA? Do you agree that these milestones matter more than team success? Jump into the comments and share your thoughts; we'd love to hear differing opinions!
If you're eager to stay updated on the daily buzz and ripple effects across the NBA, bookmark Fastbreak on SI for the best hoops stories from a league-wide perspective.
