Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook has long been a dominant force in the NBA, especially when it comes to accumulating triple-doubles. As the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles with 199, Westbrook stands on the precipice of making history with his next one, which will make him the first player to ever reach 200 triple-doubles. His unparalleled ability to contribute in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking has defined his career, and even in the later stages of his career, Westbrook continues to be a valuable asset.
Westbrook’s career has been marked by a series of historic achievements. He is the only player in NBA history to have averaged a triple-double in four separate seasons, and his 199 total triple-doubles are a testament to his consistency and all-around brilliance. While his minutes were significantly limited last season, he still managed to notch a triple-double in his final start with the Los Angeles Clippers before joining the Nuggets. In that game, Westbrook recorded 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists, leading his team to victory over the Phoenix Suns, despite the absence of stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
As Westbrook now transitions into his role with the Denver Nuggets, questions naturally arise about his relationship with reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, who is also known for his incredible ability to put up triple-doubles. Jokic, a two-time MVP, is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world and is renowned for his unique ability to facilitate the game from the center position. Jokic’s basketball IQ, vision, and unselfishness have made him a dominant force in the NBA, and his contributions have been instrumental in leading the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023.
Despite the obvious similarities in their statistical prowess, Westbrook was quick to downplay any notion of a rivalry or “race” with Jokic when it comes to triple-doubles. During the Nuggets’ media day, Westbrook addressed the subject, stating, “No, we have not had a conversation about it. I don’t know if there’s a race or not, but we have not talked about it at all. Nikola is the best player in the world and he’s playing at the highest level. All we care about, and he would tell you the same, is winning basketball games.”
Westbrook’s response highlights his team-first mentality and his understanding of what truly matters in the grand scheme of things: winning. Both he and Jokic are focused on contributing to the success of the Denver Nuggets and adding another championship to their resume, rather than chasing individual accolades. This sentiment reflects the overall ethos of the Nuggets organization, which has been built around selflessness, hard work, and a collective desire to achieve greatness.
The dynamic between Westbrook and Jokic will undoubtedly be fascinating to watch as the season progresses. While Jokic remains the focal point of the Nuggets’ offense, Westbrook brings an added layer of versatility and playmaking to the backcourt. His ability to push the pace, create opportunities for his teammates, and provide energy on both ends of the floor will be crucial as the Nuggets aim to defend their title in a highly competitive Western Conference.
For Westbrook, reaching 200 triple-doubles will be yet another incredible milestone in a career full of them. However, his focus, much like Jokic’s, remains on winning basketball games and contributing to team success. As the two players continue to work together, their combined talent and leadership have the potential to elevate the Nuggets to even greater heights.
In the end, while the triple-double race may be a fun storyline for fans and media alike, it’s clear that for Westbrook and Jokic, it’s all about the bigger picture—bringing another championship to Denver. With their collective focus on winning, the Nuggets are poised to remain a powerhouse in the NBA for years to come.
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