Nikola Jokić Learned Triple-Double from His Brother: Strahinja Reveals He Once Taught Him How to Score 30 Points Every Game!

Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets’ superstar, has taken the NBA by storm with his exceptional playmaking ability, dominance in the paint, and unparalleled basketball IQ. As a two-time MVP and an NBA champion, Jokić has consistently displayed his all-around skill set, often racking up triple-doubles with remarkable ease. But what if we told you that his dominance on the court was not purely self-made? According to his older brother, Strahinja Jokić, Nikola learned the art of controlling a game and scoring at will from him.

The Jokić Family’s Basketball Legacy

Growing up in Sombor, Serbia, Nikola Jokić was surrounded by basketball from an early age. His older brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja, both had experience playing the game at various levels. Strahinja, the eldest, was particularly instrumental in shaping Nikola’s approach to basketball, often pushing him to develop his offensive skill set beyond just passing and rebounding.

“I used to tell him, ‘You have to learn how to dominate every game,’” Strahinja recalled in an interview. “I showed him how to score 30 points whenever he wanted, but also how to balance that with passing and rebounding. A triple-double isn’t just about stats—it’s about controlling the game.”

The Secret to Jokić’s Scoring Mastery

One of the most fascinating aspects of Nikola Jokić’s game is his ability to rack up triple-doubles while still making it seem effortless. According to Strahinja, this came from their rigorous backyard training sessions, where Jokić was forced to score against bigger and stronger opponents.

“We didn’t let him settle for just passing. I made sure he knew how to take over a game when needed,” Strahinja explained. “We worked on footwork, positioning, and how to use his strength to his advantage. The post moves you see today? That’s what we drilled every day.”

Jokić’s unique skill set allows him to dominate in multiple facets of the game. His ability to score inside, knock down mid-range jumpers, and even stretch the floor with three-pointers makes him one of the most complete big men in NBA history. However, what sets him apart is his elite passing ability—a skill that has made him the leader of the Nuggets’ offense.

Jokić’s Evolution into a Triple-Double Machine

The influence of Strahinja’s training became evident as Jokić grew into one of the NBA’s best players. His ability to score 30 points in a game became second nature, but more importantly, he learned when to take over offensively and when to facilitate. His knack for orchestrating the offense while also being a scoring threat makes him a rare talent in today’s NBA.

During the 2022-23 season, Jokić averaged a near triple-double, solidifying himself as one of the most dominant forces in basketball. His IQ and ability to read the game often make it look like he’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.

“When you watch Nikola, you can see how he controls everything on the court. It’s not just about scoring; he knows exactly when to attack, when to pass, and when to dominate. That’s something we worked on for years,” Strahinja said.

How Strahinja’s Influence Shaped Nikola’s Mindset

Beyond the physical training, Strahinja also helped Nikola develop a strong mental approach to the game. In the ultra-competitive environment of professional basketball, confidence and composure are just as important as skill.

“I always told him, ‘Never let anyone dictate how you play. You control the pace, you control the flow of the game,’” Strahinja said. “That’s why he never gets rattled. He plays his way, at his speed, and nobody can take that from him.”

That mentality has become a defining feature of Jokić’s game. Whether he’s putting up triple-doubles in playoff games, leading the Nuggets to an NBA championship, or casually dropping 30 points against elite defenses, he always looks calm and in control.

The Jokić Brothers: A Unique Bond

Nikola Jokić has often credited his brothers for keeping him grounded. Despite being one of the biggest stars in the NBA, his humility and work ethic remain intact, largely due to his strong family ties. Strahinja and Nemanja are regularly seen supporting him at games, and their presence serves as a reminder of his journey from Serbia to basketball stardom.

“We are a family first. Basketball is important, but it’s just a game. That’s something we remind him of all the time,” Strahinja said. “No matter how many MVPs he wins, he’s still Nikola, the same kid from Sombor.”

Conclusion: The Jokić Legacy Continues

Nikola Jokić’s dominance in the NBA is no accident. His skills, vision, and ability to put up triple-doubles consistently stem from years of hard work, guidance, and mentorship from his older brother, Strahinja. The lessons learned in their childhood backyard have translated into a historic NBA career, one that continues to evolve.

While Jokić will go down as one of the most unique and dominant big men in basketball history, the credit for his journey extends beyond just himself. The influence of his family, particularly Strahinja, played a massive role in shaping the player fans admire today.

So, the next time you watch Jokić orchestrate the Nuggets’ offense with precision, remember that it all started with some tough lessons from his big brother. And as Strahinja himself says, “He always had the talent—he just needed to learn how to use it. Now, the world is seeing what I knew all along.”