Clippers' Russell Westbrook comments on Nikola Jokic's triple doubles

Apart from their capacity to rack up statistics, Los Angeles Clippers standout Russell Westbrook doesn't perceive many parallels between himself and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić. Jokić registered a triple-double (36 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists) in a 102-100 defeat against the Clippers on Thursday. Following the match, Westbrook expressed disagreement when a reporter compared him to the two-time MVP, stating, "He's like you, he's a triple-double monster."

Westbrook holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history with 198. He has achieved a triple-double average for a full season on four occasions. Jokic ranks fourth in NBA history with 129 triple-doubles but has never maintained a triple-double average for an entire season. Westbrook has secured one regular-season MVP title. In contrast, Jokic boasts two MVP awards and one championship. Both players are expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the future.

Westbrook showered Jokić with praise, making it clear he wasn't aiming any criticism at the Nuggets star. His central argument was essentially indisputable.


Comparing players who occupy vastly different positions on the court and have a significant height difference of seven inches is nearly impossible.

Moreover, using triple-doubles as a common ground between them isn't quite effective, considering Westbrook's unparalleled dominance in the category. At 35 years old, he holds the all-time record with 198 triple-doubles, a staggering 69 more than Jokić.

Although there's a possibility that Jokić could eventually approach Westbrook's record, having accumulated 72 triple-doubles over the last three seasons, it's still uncertain. He would need to maintain an average of 20 or more triple-doubles over the next three years to surpass Westbrook.

Nonetheless, Westbrook's belief in his unique talent isn't unfounded.

Source Bleacher Report : Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Nikola Jokić 'Is a Hell of a Player, but He's Not Me'
Source Hoopswire : Russell Westbrook On Nikola Jokic Getting Triple Doubles: ‘Ain't Nobody Like Me'