On This Day, Feb. 15, 2018: Nikola Jokic Records Fastest Triple-Double
Nikola Jokic broke the NBA’s triple-double record by recording a time of 14 minutes and 33 seconds for his triple-double back on Feb. 15, 2018. Before that, Jim Tucker and his 17-minute triple-double held the record for the quickest time in NBA history.
With just 1:54 left in the second quarter, the Serbian center completed the feat via a cross-court pass to the corner finding Wilson Chandler for an open 3-pointer. It gave Jokic his 10th assist for the day and completed the fastest triple-double in history.
Jokic finished the night with 30 points, 15 rebounds and 17 assists. Not only that, but between his points and assists, he produced 74 of the Nuggets’ 134 points in their victory over the Milwaukee Bucks that evening.
To put this in perspective, Russell Westbrook, a player most notable for his absurd number of triple-doubles in today’s NBA, has only ever managed to time at about 19 minutes. With a player holding the record for most triple-doubles that is now no longer in the top three for fastest times is astonishing and it is because of one player: Jokic.
Almost does it again in 2023?
However, what can be found even more impressive, is the fact that Nikola Jokic is seamlessly managing to almost beat the record he set himself. With his performance on against the Timberwolves on Feb. 14, 2023, he recorded an 18-minute triple-double missing the previous record holder by only a minute. This impressive performance now means he not only holds the fastest time, but he also has managed to record the third-fastest time in history.
To record 10-plus points, assists and rebounds in 14 minutes and 33 seconds and then follow that performance up five years later with the same feat in 18 minutes is a huge statement to the rest of the NBA; Jokic is still in his prime, and is not going anywhere.
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