Nikola Jokic posts 1st-half triple-double in just 16 minutes

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic really liked his matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.

The third-year Serbian scored 16 points, snared 11 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists in 16 minutes of action in the first half against the Bucks.

He needed just nine shots from the field and achieved his triple-double in just 14 minutes and 33 seconds, which makes it the fastest triple-double in NBA history, according to Justin Phan of Fantasy Labs.

Jokic eventually finished with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 17 assists on 11-of-14 shooting in a 134-123 win for the Nuggets.

The Bucks are known for an aggressive trapping defense that often leaves them vulnerable against playmaking centers like Jokic. He picked the Bucks apart from the middle of the floor, as he would either score at the rim or find open shooters after Milwaukee sent extra defenders at the ball.

It also doesn't help that the Bucks have a glaring weakness at center that went unaddressed at the trade deadline. Thon Maker and Tyler Zeller aren't exactly stoppers despite their length and shot-blocking ability.