We nonetheless don’t know the the explanation why Nikola Jokic has been out of the competitors for the previous week, however all we all know is that it has to do along with his household. On Tuesday night time, the Nuggets introduced for a third-consecutive match that he wasn’t going to take part for private causes.
The Serbian huge man, who’s a three-time league MVP, is presently main Denver in stats with 29.7 factors, 13.7 rebounds and 11.7 assists per contest. Solely drawback is, the Colorado workforce had misplaced the primary two video games with out him in opposition to New Orleans and Memphis.
After lastly beating the Grizzlies final night time, the press requested coach Michael Malone if he thought the European participant can be accessible for Friday’s house sport in opposition to the Mavericks, however he wasn’t certain. “I do not know about Friday,” the tactician mentioned. “Clearly, there’s no information out of Denver. So we’ll revisit that once we get house.”
Requested Russell Westbrook after the sport about being on the identical workforce because the participant that’s chasing his triple-double report.
He calls Nikola Jokić the very best basketball participant on this planet and says the 2 can “take turns” getting triple-doubles pic.twitter.com/sfAv7N2mdO
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) November 20, 2024
“We shouldn’t play another way,” Malone mentioned of not having his star middle. “Clearly, you don’t have a three-time MVP. I believe we’ve got to play more durable. That ought to be with Nikola or with out Nikola. I believe we’ve got to play extra bodily.”
This Tuesday night time was a particular one for Russell Westbrook, who turned the primary participant in NBA historical past to publish 200 triple-doubles throughout Denver’s win over Memphis. The veteran guard reached this milestone very late within the match, which ended 122-100 in his favor.
The 36-year-old ended the competition with 12 factors, 10 rebounds and 14 assists, however was in want of a remaining rebound with a minute and a half left on the clock to attain this feat. With 1:28 left within the fourth, his teammate Dario Saric missed a shot from past the arc and he jumped within the air to earn his first offensive rebound of the night.
The match was very tight because the Grizzlies have been a relentless risk to the Nuggets, however fortunately Saric then settled the sport by dropping a remaining three-pointer with 27.7 second to the ultimate buzzer. As soon as the competition was over, Russell mentioned he wasn’t thanking Dario for lacking the shot that gave him the triple-double.
Westbrook thanks his teammates for serving to him obtain his 2 hundredth triple-double, however is generally joyful to have earned a win for the Nuggets
“I thank him for making the subsequent one to shut the sport, which is crucial,” Westbrook mentioned in a joking trend, as he did respect Saric having dropped in his second try from vary which earned the Nuggets one other win. Now Denver is sitting fifth within the West with an 8-5 report.
By the tip of the NBA Cup conflict, the All-Star was given the sport ball and was celebrated inside Denver’s locker room. Along with his newest achievement, he’s now 19 triple-doubles forward of Oscar Robertson and 62 from Magic Johnson.
“It’s a blessing,” Russell mentioned of main a milestone that additionally has gamers like LeBron James, Jason Kidd, Wilt Chamberlain and even teammate Nikola Jokic on the record. “I’m actually grateful to have the ability to play the sport (nicely sufficient) to do this. However I’m additionally appreciative of those who got here earlier than me.”
Regardless of making historical past, the veteran was principally joyful for contributing to Denver profitable one other sport. “Anytime we win and I get them, I’m at all times grateful for that,” mentioned Westbrook, who can also be grateful for sustaining his type at his outdated age. “It’s my favourite time.”