Nikola Jokic Nearly Perfect in Denver Nuggets Win Over Portland Trail Blazers

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 122-113 on Tuesday, and center Nikola Jokic was the best player on the court. The big man hit an amazing 13 of his 14 field goals for 36 points with 12 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, and one block.

Another Jok masterclass

36 PTS (13-14 FG)
12 REB
10 AST
W pic.twitter.com/nT9qMHBf8d
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 18, 2023

It was Jokic's first 30+ point effort since January 1st and his 13th triple-double this season. The big night lifted his per-game season averages to 25.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.8 assists at an impressive .627 field goal percentage. He remains an advanced stats god, leading the league in PER (32.2), win share per 48 (.321), and box plus/minus (12.9).

The win pushed the Nuggets to 31-13, good for the top spot in the Western Conference. Jokic finds himself square in the middle of the MVP conversation, and if he wasn't already a two-time winner, he might be the favorite. No player affects the games in as many ways.

The Nuggets host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.