Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook on Friday made NBA history, becoming the first pair of teammates to record a triple-double in the same game multiple times in a single season.
Jokic 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.
Photo: AP
“Wow. That’s pretty crazy. We’re watching history, folks,” Denver coach Michael Malone said.
The pair also accomplished the feat against the Utah Jazz on Dec. 30, when Jokic had 36 points, 22 rebounds and 11 assists and Westbrook had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
After the game against the Nets, Westbrook credited Malone with giving him the freedom to play his game.
“Being able to do that allows me to be able to make guys around me better,” he said. “Try to bring this team some leadership, some energy, some toughness. We’re just getting started on figuring it out.”
Jokic had missed the previous two games with an illness before returning against the Nets. He went to the bench late in the third quarter one rebound shy of his 145th career triple-double and the Nuggets leading by 18.
Brooklyn rallied to get within five and Jokic returned and had nine points, four assists and three rebounds in the fourth.
Jokic got his 10th rebound after Westbrook blocked Keon Johnson’s shot about 7 minutes 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 and his first in Denver.
Elsewhere on Friday, it was:
‧ 76ers 115, Pelicans 123
‧ Bulls 138, Wizards 105
‧ Celtics 97, Kings 114
‧ Knicks 101, Thunder 126
‧ Magic 106, Bucks 109
‧ Pacers 108, Warriors 96
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