Nikola Jokić makes triple-double history

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

April 15, 2025

Nikola Jokić has joined this exclusive club with an average of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists. Photo credit: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

In the storied history of the NBA, few achievements stand out quite like the triple-double, an extraordinary feat that combines points, rebounds, and assists in a single game.

Only two players had ever averaged a triple-double for an entire season: Oscar Robertson in the 1961-1962 season and Russell Westbrook, who accomplished the feat in the 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2020-21 NBA seasons.

Now, with the 2024-25 regular NBA season coming to an end, Nikola Jokić has joined this exclusive club with an average of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists.

This marks a significant milestone in his career and solidifies his place among basketball legends.

Jokić’s path to NBA greatness began thousands of miles away in Sombor, Serbia. Initially, his passion for basketball fell second to his love for horse racing.

However, as he improved upon his skills, his natural talent became clear to all.

Jokić caught the attention of scouts during his time in the Serbian Basketball League, showcasing a unique mix of vision and finesse that set him apart.

Selected by the Denver Nuggets as the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Jokić’s journey in the NBA was just beginning.

After a rookie season spent adjusting to the pace of the NBA, Jokić quickly emerged as a cornerstone of Denver’s roster.

With his extraordinary passing ability, scoring touch, and rebounding skills, he redefined the role of a center in today’s game.

By the time the 2020-2021 season arrived, he had already established himself as a multiple-time NBA All-Star and was awarded the league’s MVP award for his outstanding performance.

After the 2020-21 season, his dominance wouldn’t slow down, as alongside winning the NBA championship in the 2022-23 NBA season, the center would capture two more MVPs during the 2021-22 and 2023-24 NBA seasons.

As Jokić continues to push boundaries, he stands at a pivotal point in his career.

Averaging a triple-double is a remarkable achievement, but the ultimate test of his legacy will come in the form of championship success.

His ability to impact games in multiple ways leaves fans and analysts eager to see how he will further shape the future of Denver and the league.

His journey from a small Serbian town to NBA fame is an inspiration to many, and as Denver seeks championship glory, Jokić’s remarkable story is far from over.

Basketball fans around the world are watching closely, anticipating the next chapter in the career of a player who has already written his name into the history books.

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer