Nikola Jokić delivered a remarkable performance that caught the attention of many, including Kevin Durant – the Phoenix star who faced off against the Serbian center in a game where Jokić achieved something unprecedented in the NBA.

In Denver’s nail-biting victory (22:21 after overtime), Jokić recorded 149 points, 141 assists, and 31 rebounds, making him the first player in the history of the league to surpass 30 points, 20 assists, and 20 rebounds in a single game.

Durant was left astounded:

“I can’t believe he didn’t do this sooner. Jokic is among the greatest basketball players ever. When I saw his stats right after overtime, I thought to myself, ‘We really made him work hard,'” Durant commented.

Jokić is in contention for the MVP award, and Durant expressed frustration over a reporter asking if he considers the Serbian center an underdog compared to Oklahoma’s Shai Gilges-Alexander.

“I won’t let you put that label on him. Jokić is never an underdog. Never. I’m not saying both shouldn’t be MVP, but Jokić can never be considered an underdog. That narrative ended when he first won the MVP,” Durant emphasized.

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