On Friday night, Denver Nuggets stars Nikola Jokić and Russell Westbrook added another remarkable chapter to their careers by becoming the first pair of teammates to record a triple-double in the same game multiple times in a single season. Their history-making feat came during the Nuggets’ 124-105 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, marking a night filled with incredible performances.
Jokić Dominates, Westbrook Leads with Precision
Nikola Jokić, who continues to dominate the NBA with his playmaking skills, finished with 35 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds. This marked his NBA-leading 15th triple-double of the season, further solidifying his place as one of the league’s most versatile players.
Russell Westbrook, who signed with the Nuggets in the offseason after stints with the Lakers and Clippers, had a remarkable game of his own. Westbrook posted 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing his all-around ability and adding his third triple-double of the season. This was also his first triple-double as a Nugget, making it a special moment for the veteran point guard.
A Historic Double Triple-Double Feat
This historic performance wasn’t a one-time occurrence. Jokić and Westbrook had previously accomplished the same feat earlier this season on December 30th against the Utah Jazz. In that game, Jokić went off with 36 points, 22 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Westbrook had a near-perfect game with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 100% shooting from the field (7-of-7) and from the free-throw line (2-of-2).
The ability of two players to record triple-doubles in the same game multiple times in a season is unprecedented, making their achievement even more impressive.
Coach Michael Malone’s Reaction
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone couldn’t help but marvel at the duo’s performance, telling the media after the game, “Wow. That’s pretty crazy. We’re watching history, folks.” His excitement was palpable, and it’s easy to understand why. Having two players of this caliber on the same team, achieving historic feats together, is a rare and special sight.
Jokić Returns Strong After Illness
Nikola Jokić had missed the Nuggets’ previous two games due to illness, but he made an immediate impact upon his return. Although he had to go to the bench late in the third quarter with the Nuggets leading by 18 points, he came back strong when the game got tight. He finished the game with nine points, four assists, and three rebounds in the fourth quarter, helping to ensure the Nuggets’ victory.
Westbrook’s Role and Leadership
Westbrook’s influence on the game was undeniable. He recorded his 202nd career triple-double, an NBA record, and spoke after the game about how his freedom on the court, granted by Coach Malone, allows him to be more effective.
“Being able to do that allows me to be able to make guys around me better,” Westbrook said. “Try to bring this team some leadership, some energy, some toughness. We’re just getting started on figuring it out.”
Looking Ahead
With the duo of Jokić and Westbrook firing on all cylinders, the Nuggets are poised for more historic moments as the season progresses. As they continue to build chemistry and fine-tune their game, it will be exciting to see what else they can accomplish together.
As for the Brooklyn Nets, they rallied to close the gap late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Nuggets’ star power. Jokić’s leadership and Westbrook’s contributions were simply too much for the Nets to handle.
With their historic performance, Jokić and Westbrook are now etched into NBA history, and fans of the game should keep their eyes on these two as they continue to break barriers.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Nuggets’ season and other NBA news right here on our blog!
