Russell Westbrook’s Historic Night: A Perfect Triple-Double
In the world of basketball, where every dribble, pass, and shot is scrutinized, achieving a triple-double is a remarkable feat. But doing so with zero turnovers and a perfect shooting record? That’s a whole new level of excellence. On Monday night in Salt Lake City, Russell Westbrook of the Denver Nuggets etched his name into the annals of NBA history by becoming only the third player to achieve this rare accomplishment. The Nuggets triumphed over the Utah Jazz with a 132-121 victory, and Westbrook’s performance was the talk of the town.
According to ESPN Research, Westbrook joins an elite group that includes Denver’s own Nikola Jokic, who first achieved this feat on October 20, 2018, against the Phoenix Suns, and Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings, who joined the club on November 6 in a game against the Toronto Raptors. These achievements have all occurred since the NBA began tracking turnovers in the 1977-78 season.
Westbrook’s stat line was nothing short of spectacular: 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. He shot a flawless 7 for 7 from the field and 2 for 2 from the free-throw line. This performance marked his 201st career triple-double, the most in NBA history, and it was only the second time he achieved a triple-double while shooting 100% from the field.
Denver coach Michael Malone was effusive in his praise for Westbrook, stating, “First ballot hall of famer, one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game. And what I admire so much about him, aside from the leadership and toughness that he brings every single day, is he’s got no ego.”
While Westbrook’s performance was the highlight, he wasn’t the only Nugget to shine. Jokic also recorded a triple-double with 36 points, 22 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 20 points and 10 assists. Despite these impressive stats, the postgame discussions were dominated by Westbrook’s historic night.
Malone further emphasized Westbrook’s commitment to the team, saying, “He came here for one reason and that’s to help us win a championship. And he hates to lose, and that’s another thing I love about him. He’s built the right way, and I’ll go to war with Russell Westbrook any day.”
On the other side of the court, the Jazz had their own standout performances. Jordan Clarkson scored 24 points, and Collin Sexton added 22. The Jazz led 66-64 at halftime, but the Nuggets surged ahead in the third quarter, outscoring Utah 34-23 to create a comfortable lead.
Denver forward Michael Porter Jr. summed up the team’s performance on Altitude TV, saying, “Multiple guys played well. Russ and Jo both with triple doubles … it was a total team effort.”
Both teams were missing key players due to injuries. Denver’s Aaron Gordon was sidelined with a right calf strain, while Utah’s John Collins missed his fourth consecutive game with a hip bruise.
As the Nuggets continue their quest for a championship, Westbrook’s performance serves as a reminder of his enduring talent and determination. His ability to deliver under pressure and contribute to the team’s success is a testament to his status as one of the game’s greats.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
