Jokić Eyes Fifth Triple-Double in NBA Cup Opener

Nikola Jokić has recorded a triple-double in each of Denver’s first four games, tying Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook for the most consecutive triple-doubles to open an NBA season. In Wednesday’s 122-88 win over New Orleans he had 21 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in 28 minutes, bringing his career total to 168. He will have a chance to become the first player to start a season with five straight triple-doubles when the Nuggets visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, a game that also serves as Denver’s opener in the Emirates NBA Cup group stage. Earlier this week he produced a 25-19-10 outing on 9-of-10 shooting vs. Minnesota, a performance that put him alongside Wilt Chamberlain for a 25/15/10-type game with at least 90% shooting. Denver improved to 3-1 with the win, while Portland is 3-2, making the matchup consequential for both the team and Jokić’s bid for history.