Nikola Jokić becomes third player in NBA history to average triple-double for the season

CNN - Apr 12th, 2025
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Nikola Jokić made history as the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, securing his place alongside legends Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson. In the Denver Nuggets' 117-109 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, Jokić delivered 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists. Despite his remarkable achievement, Jokić remains unlikely to claim MVP honors this season, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being the frontrunner. The win marked a successful outing for Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman, who has now secured two consecutive wins.

In a day of unprecedented outcomes, the NBA witnessed a historical record as five games ended with a margin of 30 points or more. The Boston Celtics led this scoring spree with a commanding 130-94 win over the Charlotte Hornets, marking their 60th win of the season, an NBA record. Meanwhile, Luka Dončić starred in the Los Angeles Lakers' 140-109 victory over the Houston Rockets, securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Chicago Bulls also achieved resounding victories, adding to the day's record-breaking performances.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-structured and timely report on Nikola Jokić's significant achievement in the NBA. It accurately presents the key facts and offers historical context, making it informative for basketball fans. However, the lack of explicit source attribution and transparency in methodology slightly undermines its credibility. While the article engages readers with its clear language and relevant content, it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and more in-depth analysis to enhance its impact and balance. Overall, the story succeeds in highlighting an important sports milestone, though it leaves room for improvement in source quality and transparency.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The news story is largely accurate, with most of the key claims being verifiable. Nikola Jokić's achievement of becoming the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season is well-documented and matches historical records, as does Russell Westbrook's previous accomplishments in this area. The statistics provided in the article, such as Jokić's 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies, align with reported game stats. The claim about five NBA games being decided by 30 or more points on the same day is notable and aligns with reported facts, although it would benefit from additional verification from official NBA records or news sources.

7
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on Nikola Jokić's achievements, which is appropriate given the news hook. However, it briefly mentions other players like Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson, providing historical context. The mention of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a strong MVP candidate adds a necessary dimension to the narrative. The article could be improved by including more perspectives on Jokić's performance and its impact on the team and league.

8
Clarity

The article is written in clear and accessible language, with a logical flow that guides the reader through Jokić's achievements and their historical significance. The structure is straightforward, beginning with the main news and expanding into related topics. The tone is neutral and factual, making it easy for readers to follow and understand the key points.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite its sources, which makes it difficult to assess the credibility and reliability of the information. The statistics and historical data included suggest that the author likely used reputable sources, such as NBA records and historical player statistics. However, the lack of direct attribution or references to specific sources diminishes the perceived authority of the article.

5
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of Jokić's achievements and the historical context but lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. There is no disclosure of how the information was gathered or any potential conflicts of interest. Readers are left to assume the accuracy of the data without insight into how the conclusions were reached.

Sources

  1. https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nikola-jokic-becomes-first-center-in-nba-history-to-average-triple-double-putting-final-touch-on-his-mvp-case/
  2. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=373434v
  3. https://hoopshype.com/2025/04/11/nikola-jokic-makes-history-as-third-nba-player-ever-to-average-triple-double-for-season/
  4. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25183581-nikola-jokic-becomes-3rd-player-nba-history-average-triple-double-season
  5. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/jokic-triple-double-by-season