Dec 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) brings the ball up the court against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Russell Westbrook Made NBA History in Nuggets-Hawks

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI | By Joey Linn | Last updated Dec 8, 2024 8:51 PM ET

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook received his fifth start of the season on Sunday night against the Atlanta Hawks. With Jamal Murray sidelined, Westbrook stepped into the starting lineup with another strong performance.

Finishing the game with nine points, 11 assists, two steals, and one block, Westbrook did some of everything for the Nuggets while attempting just six field goals (four makes). With the 141-111 win over Atlanta, the Nuggets improved to 4-1 when Westbrook starts. The only loss came on Saturday against the Washington Wizards when Westbrook finished with seven points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, and four steals on 50 percent shooting.

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

A future Hall of Fame point guard and one of the best ever at his position, Westbrook made NBA history in Sunday’s win over Atlanta. With his 411th career game tallying double-digit assists, Westbrook tied Mark Jackson for eighth all-time in that category (via Basketball Reference's StatHead).

Ninth all-time in assists, Westbrook is also 23rd all-time in scoring. Westbrook is joined by LeBron James and Oscar Robertson as the only three players in NBA history who are top-10 in assists in top-25 in scoring.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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