Stats-stuffers Westbrook, Jokic emerge victorious on TD nights
Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic have redefined the triple-double. On Wednesday night, they reminded everyone why they’re in a league of their own.
Westbrook recorded his 204th career triple-double—an NBA record—in Sacramento’s 121-116 win over Golden State, notching 23 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in his first such performance since joining the Kings.
In Denver, Jokic answered with 33 points, 15 rebounds and 16 assists, powering the Nuggets to a 122-112 victory over Miami and logging his fifth triple-double of the season.
Two time zones apart but sharing the same hardwood brilliance, the league’s most prolific stat-sheet stuffers showcased the different ways greatness manifests. Westbrook energized Sacramento with his relentless drive. Jokic orchestrated Denver’s offense with surgical calm.
Their games couldn’t be more different. Yet their impact is strikingly similar.
Westbrook’s triple-double sparked a pivotal fourth-quarter surge, aided by Dennis Schroder’s back-to-back threes, as Sacramento turned a 104-all deadlock into an 11-0 burst. DeMar DeRozan added 25 for the Kings, who were missing Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine.
In Denver, Jokic’s all-around control kept the Heat at bay. He completed his triple-double midway through the third quarter, grabbing an offensive rebound to seal it. Aaron Gordon added 24 and Jamal Murray closed the door with clutch free throws.
