Starting 5: Nikola Jokić & the Nuggets host NBA-best Cavs

Nikola Jokić has notched 11 triple doubles this season.

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The NBA’s top squad, the 26-4 Cleveland Cavaliers, faces off against the reigning Kia MVP Ladder leader, Nikola Jokić, and the Denver Nuggets tonight in the Mile High City (9 ET). With both teams in peak form, this is a showdown basketball fans won’t want to miss.

Rewind to Their Last Meeting

Just 22 days ago, these two powerhouses clashed in Cleveland, producing a game for the ages filled with unforgettable highlights.

The Nuggets’ superstar delivered a jaw-dropping 27-point, 20-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. From dazzling footwork in the post to a coast-to-coast dime, Jokić showcased why he’s one of the league’s best.

The performance marked his 139th career triple-double, surpassing Magic Johnson for third-most all-time. Additionally, it was his eighth career game with 20+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 10+ assists, tying Oscar Robertson for third-most in NBA history.

“His touches continue to amaze me,” said Nuggets guard Jamal Murray postgame. “He does everything on the court with a great attitude and has a will to win.”

Yet, despite Jokić’s brilliance, Cleveland walked away with the 126-114 win. The Cavs, the NBA’s leader in 3-point shooting percentage (40.6%), buried a season-high 22 threes at a 45.8% clip. The victory moved Cleveland to 20-3, marking their best start since the 2008-09 campaign led by that season’s Kia MVP, LeBron James.

Cleveland’s Historic Pursuit

Fast forward to tonight, and the Cavs have an opportunity to do what even the 66-win ‘08-09 team couldn’t — start 27-4 through their first 31 games.

“The results will take care of themselves,” said Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson. “We’re just going to keep going and keep focusing on our habits and improvement day-to-day.”

Standing in their way is Jokić, who’s averaging a near 30-point triple-double (30.7 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 9.4 apg) and a Nuggets squad that hasn’t lost at home since November 25.

Elsewhere on League Pass

Tonight’s slate includes five other can’t-miss matchups, headlined by Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs visiting the Brooklyn Nets (7:30 ET).

Wembanyama delivered a historic #NBAXmas debut with 42 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks, and six triples. He became the first player in NBA history to record 40+ points, 15+ rebounds, 4+ blocks, and 5+ threes in a single game. Over his last five outings, Wemby is averaging 32.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, 6.6 blocks, and 4.8 threes — a stat line unmatched in NBA history. Through 96 career games, he’s the only player in league history with 350+ blocks and 200+ threes in that span (353 blocks, 213 threes).

Remaining League Pass Schedule

• Knicks at Magic (7 ET)
• Wolves at Rockets (8 ET)
• Grizzlies at Pelicans (8 ET)
• Mavericks at Suns (9 ET)