On December 31st, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued. In today's Western Conference matchup, the Nuggets defeated the Jazz 132-121 on the road, securing their second consecutive victory and improving their record to 18 wins and 13 losses!
The Nuggets' victory today was directly related to the outstanding performances of their star player Jokic and new addition Westbrook for the season. Both players achieved a triple-double in the same game, creating the 16th feat in NBA history where teammates achieve triple-doubles together.
Jokic had an excellent performance, playing 38 minutes and 18 seconds, shooting 14 of 34, making 3 of 9 three-pointers, and 5 of 6 free throws, scoring a massive triple-double with 36 points, 23 rebounds, and 11 assists, along with 3 steals and a plus-minus of +20. This is Jokic's 143rd career triple-double, ranking third in NBA history; his 13th triple-double this season, ranking first in the league! It is also the fifth time in Jokic's career that he has scored at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists, surpassing Elgin Baylor to become the third in NBA history, behind only Chamberlain (16 times) and Oscar Robertson (7 times).
Westbrook continued to start today, playing a total of 32 minutes, shooting 7 of 7, making both free throws, scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds (3 offensive), 10 assists, 4 steals, and no turnovers, with a plus-minus of +21! This is Westbrook's 201st career triple-double, continuing to rank first in NBA history. It is also his second triple-double this season, with his last triple-double being the 200th of his career. Westbrook did not miss a shot and had zero turnovers in this game, becoming only the second person in history to achieve a triple-double under these conditions, following Sabonis.
According to statistics, this is the 16th time in NBA history that teammates have achieved triple-doubles in the same city. It is worth noting that this is the second time in Jokic's career that he has achieved a triple-double with a teammate, while it is the third time for Westbrook. The specific situations are as follows:
June 7, 2023, Nuggets vs. Heat (Finals), Jokic with 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists, Murray with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
December 18, 2021, Lakers vs. Rockets, Westbrook with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, James with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
February 11, 2019, Thunder vs. Blazers, Westbrook with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, George with 47 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
What are your thoughts on the two achieving triple-doubles together? Welcome to share your opinions in the comment section.