Inside The Nuggets

Nikola Jokic's Russell Westbrook Statement Goes Viral

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic trails only Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson on the NBA's all-time triple-doubles list.

Joey Linn

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) gets interviewed after the game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) gets interviewed after the game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center. / Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
In this story:

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook has proven to be a great offseason addition. Averaging 11.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in just 24.1 minutes per game, Westbrook has also defended at a high level for Denver. While this production is great for any reserve, it's especially valuable on the $3.3 million salary Westbrook is making this season.

Playing 16 minutes in Denver’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, Westbrook recorded 10 points, three assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block. The 17-year NBA veteran recently recorded his NBA-record 200th career triple-double, doing so off the bench in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Westbrook's teammate Nikola Jokic is quickly ascending up this list, passing Lakers legend Magic Johnson on Thursday night for third all-time. According to Jokic, his goal is to catch Westbrook.

"The goal is to beat my teammate now," Jokic said. "Russ, he is the king right now. So I will need a lot of years, if I ever do it, actually. So that's the goal."

Jokic's statement has been going viral on social media, with the NBA's official Instagram page tallying over 30,000 likes in the first hour since sharing the clip. Already with nine triple-doubles this season, Jokic tallied 25 last season and 29 the year before that. If he maintains a similar pace, the three-time MVP could presumably chase down Westbrook's record before his career ends.

Related Articles

Nikola Jokic Makes NBA History in Nuggets-Mavericks

Nikola Jokic Makes Strong Russell Westbrook Statement

Latest Update on Denver Nuggets Potentially Signing Ex-Lakers Player

Published
Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

Home/News