Nikola Jokić has notched 11 triple doubles this season.
The NBA’s top team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, will face off against Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets..tip on December 27th at 9 ET in Denver, setting up an anticipated clash between two powerhouse teams in peak form.
Rewind to Their Last Meeting
Just 22 days ago, these two formidable teams met in Cleveland. The game was a showcase of basketball talent and athleticism, producing a memorable match.
Nikola Jokić dazzled with a standout performance of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists, securing his 139th career triple-double. This achievement surpassed Magic Johnson for third most in NBA history. Additionally, it was Jokić’s eighth game with 20+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 10+ assists, tying Oscar Robertson for third in NBA history.
“His touches continue to amaze me,” reflected Nuggets guard Jamal Murray postgame. “He does everything on the court with a great attitude and has a will to win.”
Despite Jokić’s exceptional play, Cleveland emerged victorious with a score of 126-114. The Cavs achieved this through their sharpshooting, hitting 22 three-pointers at a 45.8% clip, their highest count and accuracy of the season. This win moved Cleveland to 20-3, their best start since the 2008-09 season led by LeBron James.
Cleveland’s Historic Pursuit
In tonight’s rematch, Cleveland has a chance to break the record set by the 2008-09 Lakers and start their season with an unprecedented 27-4 record through the first 31 games.
“The results will take care of themselves,” said Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson. “We’re just going to keep going and keep focusing on our habits and improvement day-to-day.”
Blocking their path is Nikola Jokić, averaging a triple-double (30.7 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 9.4 apg) and leading a Denver Nuggets team boasting a home winning streak since November 25.
Elsewhere on NBA League Pass
Beyond the main event, tonight’s slate includes five other crucial matchups:
- Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs versus the Brooklyn Nets (7:30 ET)
- Knicks at Magic (7 ET)
- Wolves at Rockets (8 ET)
- Grizzlies at Pelicans (8 ET)
- Mavericks at Suns (9 ET)
In his NBA debut, Wembanyama made history with a game of 42 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks, and six three-pointers. He became the first player to achieve 40+ points, 15+ rebounds, 4+ blocks, and 5+ three-pointers in a single game. Over his last five games, Wembanyama averages 32 points, 10.4 rebounds, 6.6 blocks, and 4.8 threes, statistics unmatched in NBA history. In just 96 career games, he has 353 blocks and 213 threes, making him the only player with such a unique combination of defensive and offensive prowess.
Remaining League Pass Schedule
- Knicks at Magic (7 ET)
- Wolves at Rockets (8 ET)
- Grizzlies at Pelicans (8 ET)
- Mavericks at Suns (9 ET)
Stay tuned for tonight’s exciting NBA action, featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers and Nikola Jokić’s Denver Nuggets, and check out the other thrilling matchups on NBA League Pass.
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