Jokić Triple-Double: Ties Robertson, Nears Westbrook Record

Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets is rapidly ascending the ranks of NBA legends, demonstrating a level of all-around play rarely seen in the sport’s history. On Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, Jokić recorded his 181st career regular-season triple-double against the New York Knicks, tying him with Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson for second place on the NBA’s all-time list.

A Historic Achievement

Despite the Nuggets falling to the Knicks in a double-overtime thriller, 134-127, Jokić’s performance – 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists – underscored his consistent dominance. He reached this milestone in his 781st regular-season game, his 11th season in the league. This achievement places him within striking distance of the all-time leader, Russell Westbrook, who currently holds the record with 195 triple-doubles and has added four more this season playing for the Sacramento Kings.

Did You Know? Oscar Robertson was the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, achieving this feat during the 1961-62 season with averages of 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists.

The Legacy of the “Big O” and Russell Westbrook

Robertson, nicknamed the “Big O,” was a 1963-64 MVP and an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971. His all-around excellence set a standard for point guards for decades. It took 55 years for another player to match his seasonal triple-double average, with Russell Westbrook accomplishing the feat in 2016-17, averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. Westbrook continued to average a triple-double in three of the following four seasons and surpassed Robertson’s career total on May 10, 2021, in his 940th game.

Expert Insight: Jokić’s ascent to this level of statistical achievement, alongside players like Robertson and Westbrook, highlights a shift in the modern NBA towards versatile players who can impact the game in multiple ways. His ability to consistently fill the stat sheet is a testament to his unique skillset and basketball IQ.

What’s Next for Jokić?

Jokić is currently on pace to become only the second player in NBA history to average a full-season triple-double on multiple occasions, joining Westbrook. He leads the league with 17 triple-doubles this season and is also potentially on track to become the first qualified scorer to shoot at least 60 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range in a single season. However, Westbrook, currently averaging 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, could continue to extend his lead, making Jokić’s pursuit a challenging one.

Jokić recently became the all-time leader in assists for centres, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on December 18th. He is a three-time NBA MVP, but faced a setback after hyperextending his left knee eleven days later, causing him to miss 16 games.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many triple-doubles does Nikola Jokić need to tie Russell Westbrook’s record?

Nikola Jokić needs 26 more triple-doubles to tie Russell Westbrook, who currently has 195.

In how many games did Oscar Robertson record his 181st triple-double?

Oscar Robertson recorded his 181st career triple-double in 1,039 regular-season games.

Has any player averaged a triple-double for an entire season more than once?

Russell Westbrook averaged a triple-double for an entire season in three of four seasons, and Nikola Jokić is currently on pace to join him as the only players to accomplish this feat multiple times.

Given his current trajectory and remarkable consistency, what impact do you think Jokić’s continued success will have on the evolving landscape of the NBA?

Jokić Triple-Double: Ties Robertson, Nears Westbrook Record | NBA News