On Tuesday, Russell Westbrook further solidified his reputation as a legendary player in the NBA by becoming the first athlete in league history to record 200 triple-doubles. Coming off the bench for the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook contributed significantly to his team's 122-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing the game with 12 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds. This achievement marks a notable point in his career, illustrating his enduring impact on the game.
This most recent triple-double is noteworthy as it is Westbrook's first of the current season. Although he has assumed a lesser role compared to his peak performance years, when he was known for his explosive play, Denver clearly benefited from his contributions on this night, particularly as the team looked to break a two-game losing streak amidst early season inconsistencies. Westbrook's ability to achieve triple-doubles has long been a hallmark of his career, recalling the time when he became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over an entire season during the 2016-17 campaign, which ultimately earned him the league MVP award.
Westbrook's collection of 200 triple-doubles stands 19 ahead of Oscar Robertson's previous record of 181 and 62 more than Magic Johnson's 138. Looking ahead, it is possible that his own teammate Nikola Jokić, who currently ranks fourth on the all-time list with 136 triple-doubles, may emerge as a contender to surpass Westbrook's milestone. The three-time MVP and 29-year-old Jokić regularly demonstrates the capability to post a triple-double, making it conceivable he could challenge the 200 mark as his career progresses. For now, Westbrook holds a unique place in NBA history as the undisputed triple-double king, supported by a career that includes two scoring titles, three assist titles, nine All-NBA selections, nine All-Star appearances, and recognition on the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.