Sportsman of the Week Ending 3/9/2025

In advance of the NCAA March Madness, the NBA has a week of epic games and performances.  One stood out as a stat line never been done before.  Two-time prior Sportsman of the Week winner Nikola Jokic doubled down on a triple double, or a 30-20-20.  Technically a 31-21-22 in a 140-127 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns.  Incredible involvement across the board (or scoring on, passing to, and clearing the boards).  While the game included overtime, the numbers are unreal for 45 minutes of action.  So that's 2 points every 3 minutes.  And a rebound AND assist 4x every 9 minutes.  Scoring.  And passing.  And rebounding.  Suddenly Jokic and the Nuggets are right there as a team of concern for frontrunners like Oklahoma City and Los Angeles as they seek their second title in 3 years.  If they do it, you know the Serbian Assassin will be the one to make it happen.  The Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week.

Editors Note: With his third Sportsman of the Week, Jokic ties fifteen others for most recognized in this Blog history.  He's the sixteenth in the club (nobody has won four).

First Recognition (2/9/20)

Second recognition (6/18/23)

Sportsman of the Week Ending 6/18/2023

The most dynamic and talented player in the NBA stepped up when it counted and delivered his franchise its first championship in League History.  After 37 straight failed playoff appearances, only reaching the Finals once and that was in the American Basketball Association era, the Denver Nuggets finished the job and proved they were the best team.  Led by two-time MVP (but not this season) Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets eased through the playoffs dropping just four games total and only saw a series tied once.  Jokic took no prisoners in all aspects, including the decisive Game 5 of the Finals 94-89 victory against the Miami Heat.  Jokic scored 28 points in the victory, including 75% from the field (and a three pointer).  He added 16 rebounds and 4 assists, no matter where he was or what role, he could not be stopped.  For the finals he: 1) Averaged over 30 points per game, 2) had two triple doubles, 3) had the first ever 30-20-10 (points/boards/assists).  The best player led the best team to a title, and Nikola Jokic is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week! 

Sportsman of the Week Ending 2/9/2020

And we transition from football to spring sports, the NBA has been unpredictable this year to say the least.  Lakers from out of the playoffs to dominant (thanks to some key acquisitions), the Warriors from Finalists to lottery.  But the Denver Nuggets find themselves as the 2 seed in the Western Conference seed, due in large part to our Sportsman of the Week, Nikola Jokic.  The versatile 7-foot center finds himself averaging a double double for the year, with almost 7 assists per game to go with it.  This week the 24 year-old Serbian averaged 27-14-8 (P/R/A) and 56% from the field as the Nuggets went 3-0 for the week.  The Nuggets got stoned in the WC Semifinals last year, but are poised to give Lebron and the Lakers a run this year.  If they do, Jokic will be the guy to watch, and he is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!