Denver Nuggets Point Guard Russell Westbrook and Center Nikola Jokic made history in Friday night’s 124-105 home win over the Brooklyn Nets. Westbrook had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists while Jokic had 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists. They made history as the second duo in NBA history to have a 25+ point triple-double in the same game. The first duo also involved the Denver Nuggets as Jokic and Jamal Murray had a 25+ point triple-double in Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Finals.
Friday night’s game was not a one-off for the Nuggets as Westbrook and Jokic both had triple-doubles on December 30 on the road against the Utah Jazz. Will Friday night’s performance allow the Denver Nuggets to find their footing in the regular season?
Denver Nuggets Season History
It has been a respectable regular season for the Nuggets(22-15). They are fourth in the Western Conference and Jokic is putting together another MVP-caliber campaign. He is second in points per game, third in rebounds, and second in assists. Westbrook has also settled into his role with the team well as he is 12th in the league in assists.
Denver has been one of the best offensive teams so far this season. They are third in points per game, second in field goal percentage, leading the league in assists, and eighth in rebounds. Denver’s defense has been nowhere near as strong this year. They are 24th in opponent’s points per game, 16th in opposing field goal percentage, and commit the fifth-most fouls per game.
Final Thoughts
The Denver Nuggets have a day off today before beginning a tough part of their schedule. They play back-to-back away games against the defending Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks. Denver then heads home on Wednesday to host the Houston Rockets.
Westbrook and Jokic’s performance this season could help put the Denver Nuggets over the top in a Western Conference that is as wide open as ever. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder look like they are definitively better than the Nuggets. If Jokic continues playing at this level he could win his fourth career MVP and help the team make some noise in the NBA Playoffs.
