Inside The Nuggets

Russell Westbrook's Heartfelt Statement on Reaching 200 Triple-Doubles

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook has made NBA history.

Joey Linn

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during Denver Nuggets Media Day.
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during Denver Nuggets Media Day. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook made NBA history on Tuesday night, becoming the first player ever with 200 career triple-doubles. Doing so off the bench, Westbrook is also the all-time leader in triple-doubles as a reserve.

Helping lead the Nuggets to victory in the absence of Nikola Jokic, Westbrook finished with 12 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds. Speaking on the broadcast after the game, Westbrook shared his heartfelt reaction to the historic milestone.

“Thank you God,” Westbrook said. “Thank you to the man above. I’m truly grateful just to go out and play, and given every opportunity that God has blessed me with, I go out and compete at the highest level. I’m grateful for so many things, and especially for tonight.”

It’s fitting that Westbrook records his 200th triple-double on a night the Nuggets were missing Nikola Jokic who is averaging one on the season. Needing a way to replace some of Jokic’s production, the Nuggets relied on Westbrook for 32 minutes against Memphis.

Westbrook was signed by Denver this offseason to help in several different ways, with one being his ability to step up in absence of key players. The NBA season is long, and teams need players who can produce at a high level when asked to take on a larger role. Westbrook did that in the three games Jamal Murray missed, and did so again on Tuesday with Jokic out.

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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.

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