Michael Malone’s 30-Game Ultimatum to Magic Johnson Is Hilarious, Yet Speaks Volumes About Nikola Jokic’s Greatness

Magic Johnson has taken to X (formerly Twitter) on many occasions tweeting about the Denver Nuggets’ big man, Nikola Jokic. And with good reason too. Coach Malone, talking to reporters, appears just as surprised with Jokic’s stats. With about 30, give or take, gap between the top NBA triple-double players, Jokic is on a speedy ascent.

Russell Westbrook holds the top position in triple-double – 198. Next comes the former NBA point guard, Oscar Robertson with 181. And then there is Magic Johnson, with a total of 138 in his career.

Nikola Jokic is not far behind the triple-double legends of the NBA

Jokic holds the sixth position with a 105 to his name. But like the Nuggets coach says, “he’ll [catch up] in probably 30 games…”

The Lakers legend, Magic Johnson had been blown away by Jokic’s performance in the Western Conference Finals. The fun part, they beat the Lakers to advance to the NBA Finals where they would win their first title. But back to the conference finals. Nikola won the Earvin Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP Award. Shortly after, Magic himself tweeted a major compliment to the Serbian superstar.

A “game-changing basketball player” – this is the highest compliment Jokic could get from Magic Johnson, who is considered as the greatest point guard of all times. Suffice it to say, the 2x MVP “Joker” hasn’t let anyone down.

The unconventionally gifted player that is Jokic

If we were to look at the technicalities, there is no way Nikola Jokic can play as a shooter. But as a center, he makes perfect sense. At 6’11 and 284 pounds, he is a classic center. Yet, Jokic’s skills are what sets him apart from the top names of the NBA. Taking a look at his stats of the last postseason should provide an idea.

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Jokic, in Game 2, had 23 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists; that got him in the list of the only players in with 3 consecutive games with a triple-double and 7 triple-doubles in just one postseason along with Wilt Chamberlain. Game 1 saw Nikola with 34 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists – the first player to do so in the NBA playoff history.

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His scoring is where it gets unconventional. Jokic doesn’t go for a jumper; his feet rarely leaves the ground. He takes his shot from mid-range and 3-point basket with his high-arc shots. Looking at rebounds, the Joker is tied with AD for most playoff rebounds per game. He is also great as a team player, in the sense that Jokic always looks to create opportunities for teammates. Only thing you have to be careful about – stay sharp. You never know when Nikola might pass you the ball.

So, what do you think of Coach Malone’s confident claim? Will this unconventional NBA “greatness” pass the legends of the league? Let us know your thoughts!