History was rewritten in the Windy City on Saturday night as Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic officially surpassed Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson for second place on the NBA's all-time triple-double leaders list. In a dominant 136-120 victory over the Chicago Bulls, Jokic recorded his 182nd career triple-double, breaking the tie with the "Big O" and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest all-around players basketball has ever seen.

A Historic Night in Chicago

The milestone moment came during a masterclass performance at the United Center. Jokic finished the night with a staggering stat line of 22 points, 17 assists, and 14 rebounds, orchestrating the Nuggets' offense with surgical precision. He also added four blocks and a steal, showcasing his defensive impact alongside his legendary playmaking.

Entering the game tied with Robertson at 181, the anticipation was palpable. Jokic wasted no time, securing the record-breaking rebound in the third quarter. The achievement is particularly poetic given Robertson's long-standing reign as the triple-double king, a record that stood for decades until Russell Westbrook broke it in 2021.

"He is a legendary player," Jokic said of Robertson after the game. "Any player who steps into this league knows he's a global legend. To be in that conversation is truly an honor."

Oscar Robertson vs. Nikola Jokic: A Statistical Comparison

Moving past Oscar Robertson is no small feat. Robertson, who played for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks from 1960 to 1974, was the original triple-double prototype, famously averaging a triple-double for an entire season in 1961-62. For Jokic to eclipse Robertson's mark of 181 in just his 11th NBA season highlights the Serbian center's unprecedented efficiency and dominance.

While Robertson revolutionized the guard position with his size and versatility, Jokic has redefined what it means to be a center. His ability to control the game from the high post, delivering passes that few guards could see, let alone execute, has made the Nikola Jokic triple-double record watch a nightly ritual for NBA fans.

The Chase for Number One: Catching Russell Westbrook

With Robertson now in the rearview mirror, only one name remains above Jokic on the NBA all-time triple-double leaders list: Russell Westbrook. The veteran point guard, currently playing for the Sacramento Kings, sits atop the mountain with 207 career triple-doubles.

The gap between the two is now just 25. Given Jokic's current pace—this was his 19th triple-double of the 2025-26 season alone—he is on a trajectory to potentially challenge Westbrook's record as early as next season. Unlike Westbrook, whose game relies heavily on athleticism, Jokic's ground-bound, cerebral style suggests he could continue racking up these stats well into his 30s.

Nuggets Roll Past Bulls to End Skid

Beyond the individual accolades, Saturday's win was crucial for the Nuggets. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak and improved their record to 34-19. While Denver Nuggets highlights today will focus on Jokic, the team received stellar contributions across the board.

Jamal Murray poured in a game-high 28 points and dished out 11 assists, forming a lethal two-man game with Jokic that the Bulls had no answer for. Julian Strawther added 19 points, knocking down key three-pointers to stifle a Chicago rally in the second half. The Nuggets' offense was humming, shooting 57% from the field and tallying 37 assists as a team.

Nikola Jokic Stats 2026: Another MVP Campaign?

As the 2025-26 season heads toward the playoffs, Jokic is once again in the thick of the MVP conversation. Averaging near a triple-double on the season, he continues to lead the league in multiple advanced statistical categories. His performance against the Bulls was a microcosm of his season: efficient, unselfish, and undeniably dominant.

The NBA historical rankings are shifting rapidly in this era of inflated offensive production, but Jokic's climb feels different. It isn't just about volume; it's about the inevitability of his impact. Whether he catches Westbrook or not, passing Oscar Robertson is a definitive statement: we are watching one of the best to ever do it.