Feb 28, 2023, 10:35 PM ET

HOUSTON -- When Nikola Jokic was presented with the game ball by Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone after recording his 100th career triple-double, Malone said the superstar seemed almost embarrassed by the gesture.

"He is a unique person who doesn't want any of the attention or credit," Malone said. "He just wants to go about his business and help this team win its first championship."

Jokic had 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his NBA-leading 24th triple-double this season and his 15th in the past 20 games, and the Nuggets beat the Houston Rockets 133-112 on Tuesday night.

Career Triple-Double Leaderboard

Russell Westbrook	198
Oscar Robertson	181
Magic Johnson	138
Jason Kidd	107
LeBron James	106
Nikola Jokic	100

The Nuggets have won each game in which he has had a triple-double this season and 28 straight dating to last season.

Jokic needed just three quarters to become the sixth player in league history with 100 triple-doubles, with the big man sitting out the entire fourth with the game out of hand.

He seemed nonplussed by the accomplishment, calling it "nice," and when pushed to note the rarity of what he'd just done, he deferred to the team.

"I appreciate how we played," he said. "That's what I appreciate. But all the, let's say achievements, awards, contracts or whatever, it's just -- I don't want to say coming naturally -- but you don't chase it. It's really nice. I think it's going to be the best when you finish [your] career and just look behind you and see what you did."

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He joins Russell Westbrook (198), Oscar Robertson (181), Magic Johnson (138), Jason Kidd (107) and LeBron James (106) as the only players to have accomplished the feat.

There wasn't any hint of a celebration in the locker room after Jokic's big night. He sat alone at his locker with an ice pack on his back as he ate popcorn from a small box by pouring it directly into his mouth.

The only evidence of the two-time MVP's milestone was the game ball in his locker that his teammates signed to commemorate the moment.

"I think all of us in Denver -- I challenge myself to do this -- should never take him for granted, never take his greatness for granted," Malone said. "Because I grew up in this business ... and things can change quickly, so I make sure I appreciate everything he does.

"And for him to be mentioned with all these historical accomplishments just reminds you that we are so blessed to have a guy like Nikola, who is as talented as he is, who accomplishes all these things on the court, but the most important and impressive thing about Nikola is that he's so humble."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Nikola jokic sixth player 100 career triple doubles

2023-12-30 11:00:31