Nikola Jokic made NBA history for the Denver Nuggets in their win over the Phoenix Suns, earning praise from head coach Michael Malone.
Michael Malone described the Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic as "one of one" after his record-breaking display in their win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
Malone watched on as Jokic notched 31 points, 21 rebounds and a career-high 22 assists as the Nuggets outlasted the Suns 149-141 in overtime.
The Serbian became the first NBA player with a triple-double of at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists.
He tied his team record with his 29th triple-double of the season, stretching his career total to 149. His 22 assists was also an NBA record for a center.
It was also the seventh time this season that Jokic had at least 15 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a game, tied with Oscar Robertson (1961-62) for the most in a season.
"Nikola Jokic is one of one," Malone said. "I mean, the first player to ever have a 30, 20 and 20 game. I can't describe him, so don't ask me to.
"The guy is just an incredible player, and when you are one of one in this league and the tremendous history of this league, that says a lot.
"And there's a lot of good players in this league, but Nikola, in my opinion, is just in a class well by himself."
Aaron Gordon made a career-high seven 3-pointers and had 27 points for Denver.
Kevin Durant scored 29 points for Phoenix, hitting a 3-pointer at the regulation buzzer to send the game into overtime.
Jokic opened the extra period with a floater in the lane to spark a 7-0 run. The Nuggets led by 11 after Christian Braun's dunk and layup with 51 seconds left.
Three nights after overcoming a 23-point deficit to beat the LA Clippers 119-117 at home, the Suns trailed 85-64 in the third and cut it to 102-91 heading into the fourth.
They went ahead 122-120 in the final minute, but Denver answered and took a 125-122 lead on Braun's 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds left.
Devin Booker scored 16 of his 34 points for the Suns in the fourth quarter but was scoreless in overtime. Mason Plumlee had 18 points and 11 rebounds.