For two teammates to each sign a triple-double in the same game is rare. But for two teammates to sign several games with a triple-double each is unheard of! This is the feat achieved by Russell Westbrook And Nikola Jokic. This night against the Nets, they became the first duo to finish multiple games with a triple-double each. They are also the first pair of teammates to achieve a triple-double with at least 25 points each.
Back on the floor, Nikola Jokic blackens the sheet with 35 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. It's his 145th career triple-double, and his 15th of the season. Alongside him, Russell Westbrook (25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists) recorded his 202nd career triple-double.
“It’s the History Channel!” »
“We're watching two of the greatest triple-double specialists in history, and they're impacting the game in every area. That's what we love: scoring, getting rebounds, playing. Having two at the same time is a privilege” reacted Mike Malone after the victory against the Nets.
For the Nuggets coach, we have the chance to see historic things: “It’s still crazy! Guys, you look at history. It's the History Channel! »
Number 1 in the history of triple-doubles, Russell Westbrook is increasingly complicit with Nikola Jokic, and he offers him many easy baskets. “He is a dynamic person and he likes to move forward” explains the kingpin about their complicity. “You have to follow him, and find out how he passes, where and when you will be open, how to position yourself, set screens, and how he likes to receive passes. You learn all this while playing…”
And what does he think of this historic stat with two matches already finished in triple-doubles for each? “I think it's just our style of play. It just happens. I'm happy that we're winning games, because it's more important than statistics. But yeah, it's special — the relationship, the way guys run into spaces, go to corners, knowing the ball is going to find them. »
Russell Westbrook thanks Mike Malone
On Russell Westbrook's side, it's been day and night since his complicated stints with the Lakers and the Clippers. The former MVP is totally fulfilled. “For those guys in the locker room, I would run through walls” he says, before mentioning Nikola Jokic in particular. “He does a crazy job of making it easier for everyone, and ever since I got here, I've been trying to do the same thing, and find ways to make things easy for him and everyone else. . When we behave like that, our team is really good. »
Along the way, the leader also thanks Mike Malone for allowing him to be himself. “It allows me to make others better, trying to bring toughness, leadership and energy. And we are only beginning to find solutions…”
