Another night, another milestone for the best passing big man in basketball. The Denver center added another entry to a resume that already ranks among the greatest in league history.
Nikola Jokic had 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his 200th career triple-double in the regular season as the Denver Nuggets beat the winless New Orleans Pelicans 104 to 91 on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.
How close is Nikola Jokic to the record?
Jokic needs 10 more triple-doubles in the regular season to pass Russell Westbrook, who retired after last season, for the most in NBA history. They are the only two players to top 200. A triple-double means reaching double figures in three statistical categories in a single game, usually points, rebounds and assists.
Nikola Jokic got there far faster. Westbrook reached 200 in his 1,175th game, while Jokic did it in his 814th. That pace highlights how consistently he fills the stat sheet as a center who runs much of Denver’s offense.
Nikola Jokic has 200 triple-doubles for the Nuggets. All other players in franchise history have combined for 79. The gap shows how much he has dominated the franchise’s record books since Denver drafted him with the 41st pick in 2014.
Sixteen of Nikola Jokic’s triple-doubles have come against the Pelicans, six more than against any other opponent.
How did the Nuggets beat the Pelicans?
Denver never trailed. Jamal Murray made his first three shots, all from beyond the arc, and the Nuggets shot 62% in the first quarter to build a lead of 37 to 18. The fast start set the tone for a comfortable win.
A runner by Marvin Bagley gave Denver its largest lead, 44 to 22, with about nine minutes left in the second quarter.
Murray finished with 23 points, and Aaron Gordon added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Christian Braun scored 15 points, and Trevon Brazile added 11.
Zion Williamson scored 25 points for New Orleans and hit a 3 in the fourth quarter that cut the lead to 88 to 83. Murray answered with a 3 and a driving finger roll to push the lead back to 10. Williamson has been one of the few bright spots for New Orleans early this season.
How did the Pelicans struggle?
New Orleans made just 7 of 30 attempts from beyond the arc. Derik Queen had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and Jeremiah Fears scored 11.
The Pelicans have lost all four of their games under Jamahl Mosley, in his first season as their coach. Mosley previously coached the Orlando Magic.
How did the Nuggets handle their injuries?
Denver used just nine players. The Nuggets were without Cam Johnson, who has an ankle injury, Alpha Diallo, who sprained his wrist, and Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones. The short rotation put extra weight on the starters, especially Jokic and Murray.
The win completed a sweep of a pair of games against New Orleans. On Saturday in Denver, the Nuggets rallied from 23 points down to beat the Pelicans in overtime. That comeback was one of the largest of the young season.
What is next for Nikola Jokic?
Nikola Jokic, a former MVP, could break the record this season if he keeps up his recent pace. Westbrook set the record over a career that included 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The milestone comes after a rocky start for Denver, which lost to Golden State earlier this week, after which Jokic again criticized fans who booed the team.
For Nikola Jokic, the chase for Westbrook’s record has become one of the biggest storylines of the season.
