Russell Westbrook Makes NBA History – What Milestone Did He Achieve in Nuggets’ Victory?

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook reached a historic milestone on Tuesday night, recording the 200th triple-double of his career during a 122-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles added yet another impressive achievement to his résumé, further solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s most versatile players.

Westbrook’s Triple-Double Performance

The 36-year-old star delivered a well-rounded performance, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists. His triple-double came in dramatic fashion, as he secured his final rebound with just 1:28 left on the clock. When teammate Dario Šarić missed a three-pointer, Westbrook grabbed his only offensive rebound of the night, sealing his milestone moment.

Despite the attention surrounding his 200th triple-double, Westbrook emphasized the team’s victory as his primary focus.

“I thank [Šarić] for making the next one to close the game, which is the most important,” Westbrook said, referring to Šarić’s clutch three-pointer with 27.7 seconds remaining.

Setting Records and Inspiring Teammates

Westbrook’s achievement places him far ahead of other basketball legends in career triple-doubles. He leads Oscar Robertson by 19 and is 62 ahead of Magic Johnson. Current teammate Nikola Jokić, known for his own playmaking brilliance, ranks fourth on the list with 136, while LeBron James sits in fifth with 117.

“It’s a blessing,” Westbrook reflected. “I’m truly grateful to play the game well enough to accomplish this. But I’m also appreciative of the ones who came before me.”

His younger teammates also recognized the significance of the accomplishment. Julian Strawther, a second-year guard out of Gonzaga, expressed his admiration for Westbrook’s longevity and impact.

“Two hundred triple-doubles is a lot,” Strawther said. “I don’t even know if I’ve got 200 career games.”

Longevity and Dedication

Westbrook’s 200th triple-double is not just a testament to his talent but also to his durability and commitment over a storied career. At 36, he continues to be a vital contributor to the Denver Nuggets, helping guide the team to another strong start this season.

For Westbrook, the moment was particularly sweet because it came during a winning effort. “Anytime we win and I get [a triple-double], I’m always grateful for that,” Westbrook shared. “It’s my favorite time.”

Legacy Cemented

Russell Westbrook’s incredible milestone serves as a reminder of his unique impact on the game of basketball. As he continues to set records and inspire teammates, fans can only marvel at the enduring excellence of one of the league’s all-time greats.

The Nuggets, with their mix of experienced leaders like Westbrook and rising talents, look poised to contend this season, buoyed by performances like this historic one.