Nikola Jokić, Russell Westbrook make triple-double history in Nuggets’ win

On By Littum

Nikola Jokić breaks out for 35 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook posts 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

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DENVER (AP) — Denver’s Nikola Jokić and Russell Westbrook made NBA history Friday night, becoming the first pair of teammates to record a triple-double in the same game multiple times in a single season.

Jokić finished with 35 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds for his NBA-leading 15th triple-double of the season in the Nuggets’ 124-105 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Westbrook had 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

They are also the first to record a 25-point triple-double in the same regular season game.

“Wow. That’s pretty crazy. We’re watching the story, guys,” Denver coach Michael Malone said.

The pair also accomplished the feat in Utah on December 30. Jokic had 36 points, 22 rebounds and 11 assists that night, while Westbrook had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Westbrook made all seven of his shot attempts, both free throw attempts, and did not have a turnover in that game.

Westbrook credited Malone with giving him the freedom to play his game.

“Being able to do that allows me to make guys around me better,” Westbrook said Friday. “Try to bring this team some leadership, some energy, some toughness. We’re just starting to figure it out.”

Jokić had missed the previous two games with an illness before returning against the Nets. He was benched late in the third quarter one rebound shy of his 145th career triple-double and Nuggets-leading 18.

Brooklyn rallied to get within five, and Jokić returned to have nine points, four assists and three rebounds in the fourth.

Jokić got his 10th rebound after Westbrook blocked Keon Johnson’s shot with 6:51 left.

Westbrook had four assists in the fourth to record his 202nd career triple-double, the most in an NBA career. It was his third triple-double this season, his first in Denver.

Westbrook signed with the Nuggets last summer after spending the past three seasons in Los Angeles with both the Lakers and Clippers.