Nikola Jokić posts triple-double as Nuggets beat Bulls 133-128

Denver Nuggets recorded a 133-128 preseason victory over the Chicago Bulls, powered by Nikola Jokić, who posted a triple-double while playing only 27 minutes.

The win was Denver's second of the preseason. As is common in exhibition games, the starters were removed at the end of the third quarter and the reserves closed out the contest — but Jokić remained actively involved from the bench.

Bench guidance decided the finish

With 22 seconds remaining and the Nuggets leading 130-125 after a timeout, Jokić offered a crucial piece of advice to his teammates on the floor. The bench players executed the plan, ran the offense without issues and the team held on at the free-throw line to secure the victory.

“COACH JOKER 🃏 After dropping a triple-double in 3 quarters of play (22p, 11r, 10a), Nikola Jokić remained locked in on the bench to help guide his team down the stretch! The @nuggets pick up the preseason win 👏” — NBA

Jokić finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists — a stat line that required less than 27 minutes on the floor — and several of his passes and finishes were singled out as particularly effective during the game.

Preseason results do not count toward the regular season, but Jokić’s form offers an early indicator of his condition heading into the campaign. The Nuggets will look to build on the victory as they finalize rotations and minutes before the season opener.

Photo: press material from the event