To the surprise of many, the pairing of Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook has worked out quite well. There was a lot of skepticism surrounding the move to sign Westbrook to the Nuggets. But the former MVP has done a great job in Denver.
And it looks like his mantle as the king of triple-doubles has been passed on to Nikola Jokic, as the pair of Nuggets teammates have four of the seven fastest triple-doubles recorded in NBA history. Jokic added to the list with his triple-double during the Nuggets’ 139-120 win over the Hawks.
Out of the seven fastest triple-doubles in NBA history, Jokic has the first and seventh-fastest triple-doubles, with his 23-point, 17-rebound, and 15-assist outing against the Atlanta Hawks last night adding to his list. Westbrook occupies the third and fourth spot for his performances against the Lakers and Clippers in 2016. You can see the full list below.
1. Nikola Jokic vs. Milwaukee Bucks (February 16th, 2018) – 14:33
2. Jim Tucker vs. New York Knicks (February 20th, 1955) – 17:00
3. Russell Westbrook vs. Los Angeles Lakers (April 11, 2016) – 17:35
4. Russell Westbrook vs. LA Clippers (December 31st, 2016) – 18:43
5. Luka Doncic vs. Utah Jazz (December 6th, 2023) – 18:59
6. Victor Wembanyama vs. Detroit Pistons (January 10th, 2024) – 20:02
7. Nikola Jokic vs. Atlanta Hawks (January 1st, 2025) – 20:16
This puts Jokic in rarified air. While his fastest triple-double in 2018 is obviously the most impressive accomplishment, the fact that he has two triple-doubles that are in the top 10 for the fastest in NBA history is astonishing, especially for a player who isn’t known for his blitzing speed on the basketball court.
Nikola Jokic currently sits third all-time for the most triple-doubles in NBA history with 144. The only people with more triple-doubles than the Joker are Oscar Robertson with 181, and his teammate, Russell Westbrook, with 201. Jokic will have to put up many more triple-doubles to come close to catching the former MVP.
Jokic-Westbrook Connection Helps The Nuggets
One of the big surprises this season has to be the connection made between Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook. Both players are polar opposites, not just on the court, but as personalities. Jokic is a quiet, skilled, sometimes lumbering big man who relies mostly on his basketball IQ. Whereas Westbrook is a loud, boisterous, incredibly athletic point guard who uses his speed and agility to his advantage.
But with Westbrook in the twilight of his career, he has taken to Jokic quite well and adapted his game to suit the reigning MVP of the league. Speaking after tonight’s win, Westbrook touched on the connection he has with Jokic, even calling him the best player in the world during the interview, and how he looks for him on the court.
Westbrook is far from the only player to praise Jokic and dub him the best in the world, with Russ’ former teammate Kevin Durant anointing Jokic as the best after the Suns-Nuggets Christmas Day clash.
Jokic, in turn, has helped Westbrook experience a career resurgence, as he is playing some of his best basketball in years. Hopefully, the good times continue for both players and come with some improvement from the rest of the Nuggets players. Perhaps they welcome a new pair from the Wizards like Fadeaway World pitched here.
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