(Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)
It was a night for Denver sports history—again.
Just weeks after becoming the third player in franchise history to reach 1,000 points with the Colorado Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon was courtside at Ball Arena on Tuesday to witness another local legend make his mark.
The Denver Nuggets posted a photo of MacKinnon seated near the court with the caption, “Another MVP in the house tonight!”
As the Avs star looked on, Nikola Jokic returned from injury and delivered his 30th triple-double of the season in a 127–117 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, breaking his own franchise record.
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In doing so, Jokic also became just the fourth player in NBA history to record 30 triple-doubles in a single season, following Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, and Nuggets teammate Russell Westbrook.
Jokic finished with 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists on Wednesday, his first game back since March 16.
“It was just smart,” Jokic said postgame, per Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. “I couldn’t really jump on my left leg. So it was really painful, and it was just better to feel good.
“I don’t want to be on the floor and feel nervous because I cannot play how I want to play and on the level I want to play.”
As for MacKinnon, the 29-year-old joined NHL’s 1,000-point club on March 10 and continues to pace the Avalanche’s playoff push.
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“Obviously, it’s a cool milestone, but it’s over now,” MacKinnon said after reaching the mark. “Look forward to tomorrow night.”
The Avs had a day off on Wednesday, coming off a win against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday that improved the team’s record to 44-25-3 and 91 points through 72 games, good for third in the Central Division.
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