Nikola Jokic Matches Wilt Chamberlain With Monster Statline vs Hornets

• Nikola Jokic joined an elite company with his triple-double against Charlotte Hornets
• The Denver Nuggets superstar posted 40-27-10 as his side defeated the Hornets 119-115
• He joins Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor with his monster statistics after the game

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic entered rare company after his impressive display vs the Charlotte Hornets, with a 27-rebound triple-double.

The reigning NBA MVP had 40 points and a career-high 27 rebounds in another triple-double, to help the Nuggets overcome the Hornets 119-115 on Sunday night, December 18.

Heading into the game, the Serbian was averaging 24.6 points per game, 10.3 rebounds and 9.0 assists, while shooting 62.9 per cent from the field. He is shooting 3.6 per cent from deep.

The Nuggets were up by three at half-time, before extending their lead to 94-80 going into the fourth quarter, inspired by Jokic's incredible 11-point third quarter.

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Charlotte clawed their way back, reducing the lead to three after Lamelo Ball's fadeaway jumper to keep the score at 107-104 with 3:29 remaining.

Michael Malone's side regained their advantage through Aaron Gordon's reverse layup from Jokic's assist, before the MVP sank a hook shot on the Nuggets' ensuing possession for a 111-104 lead with 1:57 remaining.

The Hornets cut the lead to two late on, but Jokic hit a pair of free throws. Charlotte were unable to get a shot off in the last seconds, per CBS Sports.

Jokic matches Chamberlain

According to ESPN, Jokic is now the third player in NBA history to record at least 40 points, 25 rebounds and 10 assists in a game, joining the iconic Wilt Chamberlain, who did it four times, and Elgin Baylor.

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Others have come close but not matched the 40-27-10 stat line. Baylor, DeMarcus Cousins and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were close to it but fell short.

Malone said Jokic is a generational talent.

"And it's not just about Nikola. It's about his ability to make every one of his teammates better. Yeah, Nikola is a generational talent.''

The Nuggets host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.

NBA players' World Cup reaction

Sports Brief earlier reported on NBA players reacting to the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe stole the show, scoring five goals in the 3-3 draw that saw Les Bleus lose to La Albiceleste on penalties.

The World Cup triumph was probably Messi's crowning achievement, as he cemented his status as one of the best footballers of all time.