NBA Game Notes (Dec. 28, 2023)

Here are the NBA game notes for games that were played on December 28, 2023.

Jokic Records “Perfect” Triple-Double

Nikola Jokic produced game highs of 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Denver Nuggets routed the Memphis Grizzlies 142-105, extending their winning streak to six games. Jokic did not miss a shot from either the field (11-11) or the free throw line (3-3).

Jokic is one of only three players in NBA history to record a “perfect” triple-double (minimum one free throw attempt), and he’s the only player to do so multiple times:

• Russell Westbrook (March 22, 2017)

• Evan Turner (April 1, 2019)

• Nikola Jokic (Jan. 9, 2023)

• Jokic (Dec. 28, 2023)

Last night also marked the first time in NBA history a player recorded a “perfect” triple-double while scoring at least 20 points.

It’s the third time Jokic has recorded a triple-double without missing a shot from the field, tying Wilt Chamberlain for the most such games in NBA history. The only other player to record multiple such games is Draymond Green with two.

Jokic now has 153 career games in which he’s led his team (either outright or tied) in points, rebounds, and assists. That’s the second-most such games in NBA history, trailing only LeBron James (231).

Teammate Jamal Murray recorded his sixth straight 20-point game, scoring 23 points (9-12 field goals) and dishing out nine assists in just 26 minutes played. Murray is averaging 24.2 PPG with 53/56/89 shooting splits over that span.

The Nugget’s Peyton Watson made his first start of the season, scoring a career-high 20 points in 23 turnover-free minutes. Watson also established career highs for field goals attempted (14), 3-pointers made (four), and 3-pointers attempted (10).

Desmond Bane scored a team-high 23 points for the Grizzlies, making nine of his 13 tries from the floor. Teammate Vince Williams Jr. tied his career high with 11 rebounds, but made just one of his seven shots from the floor.

Memphis played without the services of All-Star guard Ja Morant, who was sidelined with an illness. The Grizzlies have won all four games in which Morant has appeared this season.