The 2023-24 NBA season has been a historic one when it comes to players recording triple-doubles. This is the first time in the history of the league that three players have reached the 20 triple-double plateau in a single season.
Domantas Sabonis, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are the three players who achieved the feat this season. What makes their performances all the more impressive is that they have played a huge part in their teams finding success on the court as well as all three teams are battling for positioning in the Western Conference.
It should come as no surprise that all three players are looking at earning some accolades for their triple-double prowess. Another player who knows a thing or two about winning awards and compiling triple-doubles is Los Angeles Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook.
It wasn’t too long ago that Westbrook was averaging a triple-double for entire seasons. From 2016-2021, he accomplished the feat in four out of five seasons, becoming the first player to do so since Oscar Robertson.
While Jokic hasn’t quite reached averaging a triple-double for a season, he has gotten close. Last season he averaged 9.8 assists per game, falling just short. This season, which could be the third MVP campaign of his career, he is averaging 9.0 assists with 12.4 rebounds and 26.4 points.
Naturally, some people in the NBA media and fans are comparing what Westbrook and Jokic have accomplished on the court. Alas, that isn’t a comparison that Westbrook wants to hear anything about.
Last week, the Clippers and Denver Nuggets faced off, with Westbrook’s squad coming away with a 102-100 victory. After the game, he was asked about Jokic’s triple-double success and Westbrook fired back, not wanting there to be comparisons.
“Well listen, ain’t nobody like me. Ain’t nobody like me. We’re gonna stop that right there. Nobody like me. Nikola is a hell of a player, but he’s not me, I’m not him. Obviously, he’s won MVP, a tough guard, excellent passer, knows how to play the right way, competes hard. Tonight we got the best of him,” Westbrook said via Tomer Azarly on X.
That is certainly an interesting response from Westbrook, who didn’t want any part of the comparisons between himself and Jokic. But, there is no denying the impact each of them has on their respective teams, as both stuff the stat sheet while helping lead their squads to victories.
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