Nikola Jokić, Alperen Sengun make league history in Nuggets-Rockets

Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun had a historic performance on Wednesday night, becoming the first pair of centers to record a triple-double in the same game during Denver Nuggets 128-125 overtime win over Houston Rockets.

According to OptaSTATS, a turning point marked the first time in NBA historyemphasizing the versatility of the center’s position in development. Jokic’s all-around dominance led Denver to its fifth straight victory, while Sengun matched him possession for possession in one of the most impressive individual duels of the season.

Jokic finished with 39 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, along with two steals and two blocks, while shooting 13-for-27 from the field, 5-for-9 from 3-point range and 8-for-11 from the free throw line. The three-time MVP logged 42 minutes and controlled the game late, leading the Nuggets through overtime to secure the win.

Sengun, one of the league’s rising stars, recorded 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, along with two steals and a block. The Rockets center shot 14-for-27 from the field and 5-for-6 from the line, also playing 42 minutes in the loss. It was a spectacular performance for the first-time All-Star from last season against the existing standard at the position.

After the game, Sengun addressed the longtime nickname “Baby Joker.” when you talk to TalkBasket.

“It was great to hear … but I’m on my way. I’m leading one of the best teams in the league,” he said.

Nikola Jokić and Alperen Sengun are the first centers in NBA history to have a triple-double in the same game 😲

(via @OptaSTATS) pic.twitter.com/Z7obeU14cU

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 16, 2025

Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun accept the historic night while rejecting comparisons

Jokić repeated that opinion when asked about the comparisonsin a conversation with Sports Illustrated’s Jared Koch.

“I think people should stop comparing us,” Jokic said of Alperen Sengun after the Denver Nuggets’ overtime win against Houston. “I think he’s an amazing player in his own right. I don’t know what they’re trying to do.”

“I think he should be…recognized (for) who he is. He’s definitely a talented player. He’s really good in the pocket, he’s starting to shoot a little more in the mid-range and he’s succeeding. And he’s still young, so I think he should be recognized as Alperen Sengun. Not as, whoever people compare him to.”

The performances are a reflection of elite seasons for both centers. Jokic is averaging career highs of 29.8 points, 12.4 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game along with 1.4 steals while shooting 61.3% from the field and 43.3% from the field in 25 games. He plays 35 minutes per contest and continues to anchor Denver’s offense with historic efficiency.

Sengun also made a significant jump, averaging 23.5 points, 9.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists to go along with 1.5 steals and one block per game. He is shooting 50% from the field and 35.1% from 3-point range in 21 games while logging 36.2 minutes a night.

Denver improved to 19-6 and will host the Orlando Magic (15-11) on Thursday night at 9:00 PM ET before welcoming Houston again on Saturday at 5:00 PM ET on NBA TV as part of a four-game homestand. The Rockets, now 16-7, will look to bounce back Thursday night against the New Orleans Pelicans (5-22) at 8:00 PM ET as their six-game road trip continues.