After coming close against the Pistons, Russell Westbrook signed a triple-double, his second with the Nuggets, and he did it against the Jazz, this team where he was sold off two seasons in a row, without ever playing there. The undisputed king of the triple-double, the All-Star leader signed the perfect triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists on 7 of 7 shots and 2 of 2 on free throws, and without losing a single ball!
This is only the second time in history that a player has signed a “perfect” triple-double, and Westbrook thus equals Domantas Sabonis, who also achieved a triple-double without missing a shot or losing a ball. This is his 201st career triple-double, and for his 10th start with Denver, Russell Westbrook even adds four interceptions, confirming his involvement in defense.
“I will go to war with Russell Westbrook”
In the locker room, Mike Malone presented him with the “Defender of the Evening” belt. “I'm not kidding, Russ… Four interceptions, seven deflected balls” his coach told him, before explaining at a press conference how much he adores his recruit.
“He's one of the greatest point guards of all time, and he'll go into the Hall Of Fame on his first try.” he continues. “What I admire most about him, in addition to his leadership and his daily tenacity, is that he has no ego. He came here for one reason: to help us win a title. He hates losing. He’s on his best behavior, and I’ll go to war with Russell Westbrook any day.”
By his side, Nikola Jokic is not to be outdone with a monstrous triple-double: 36 points, 23 rebounds, and 10 assists. For his 13th triple-double of the season, the Serbian is much clumsier than Russell Westbrook, but he takes advantage of the evening to cross the milestone of 15,000 career points.
Not bad for a player selected in the second round, and he is one of the rare pivots to have reached this threshold before turning 30. The others? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, Moses Malone and Walt Bellamy.
This is also the 70th time in his career that Nikola Jokic has finished a game as his team's top scorer, rebounder and passer. No one has done better in history!
