Dec 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Russell Westbrook Makes NBA History in Nuggets vs Jazz

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 10:03 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets have the new triple-double king on their team in three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, but he's still far away from claiming the all-time crown as the top guy in NBA history. That belongs to Russell Westbrook, as while he did most of that during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he's now made changes to his game to impact a talented Nuggets team as a veteran.

Playing off the bench or as a starter, Westbrook has been able to play extremely well alongside Jokic. During Denver's Friday night contest against the Utah Jazz, coming off the bench, Westbrook added two milestones to his Hall of Fame career.

And congrats to @russwest44 of the @nuggets for also moving into 8th on the all-time ASSIST list! https://t.co/hmISw4HNgY pic.twitter.com/sxbsuAiaol
— NBA (@NBA) March 29, 2025

Westbrook moved to eighth all-time in assists in NBA history, surpassing the legendary Oscar Robertson. While Westbrook passed Robertson to become the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles, he passed him again but this time for assists.

In addition to making history with assists, Westbrook has climbed up the leaderboard for the 16th most steals in NBA history, surpassing Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Westbrook entered Friday's contest tied with Bryant, surpassing him with one steal. A rare occurrence, Westbrook climbs two all-time leaderboards in the same night.

Congrats to @russwest44 of the @nuggets for moving into 16th on the all-time STEALS list! pic.twitter.com/hNHQCl8XYS
— NBA (@NBA) March 29, 2025

While Westbrook has accomplished so much individually in his career, he has a chance this season to change the narrative on him as a player by capturing his first NBA title. It won't be an easy path, but it might be Westbrook's best chance since he was with the Thunder.

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

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