The Denver Nuggets point guard NBARussell Westbrook recorded his 200th career triple-double on Tuesday night in a win over Memphis.
The NBA triple-double record holder reached the milestone late in a 122-110 victory.
Westbrook, 36, finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists and it took until the final minutes to achieve the feat.
With 1:28 left, Westbrook was one rebound shy of a triple-double when center Dario Saric missed a triple. Westbrook grabbed his only offensive rebound of the game. With the Grizzlies still threatening, Saric hit a 3-pointer with 27.7 seconds left to preserve Denver’s victory.
Westbrook said he wasn’t thanking Saric for the mistake that led to the triple-double.
“I thank him for making the next one to close the game, which is the most important thing,” he stated.
Big numbers for the NBA veteran
After the game, Westbrook received the game ball and celebrated the feat with his teammates.
Westbrook is 19 triple-doubles ahead of Oscar Robertson and 62 over Magic Johnson. Teammate Nikola Joki is fourth with 136, followed by LeBron James with 117. Of the players who rank in the top 10 in career triple-doubles, four players (Robertson, Johnson, Jason Kidd and Wilt Chamberlain) are in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
“It’s a blessing,” said Westbrook about reaching this milestone. “I’m truly grateful that I was able to play (well enough) to do it. But I’m also grateful to those who came before me.”
Westbrook’s teammates marveled at his accomplishment, not only for the number of triple-doubles but also for his longevity and ability to achieve such an accomplishment.
Gonzaga sophomore guard Julian Strawther said Westbrook is a celebrity wherever he goes.
“It is difficult to express it in words,” Strawther said. “Two hundred triple-doubles are a lot. “I don’t even know if I have 200 games in my career.”
For Westbrook, the feat capped an ideal night.
“Whenever we win and I get them, I feel grateful for it,” Westbrook said. “It’s my favorite moment.”
FUENTE: NBA
How did Russell Westbrook’s determination and experiences shape his journey to achieving 200 career triple-doubles, according to Patricia Jones?
As a professional website editor for world-today-news.com, I had the pleasure of conducting an interview with two guests about the impressive feat of NBA legend Russell Westbrook. The first guest is Patricia Jones, a sports analyst at ESPN, and the second guest is Jesse Taylor, a basketball coach at Gonzaga University. The interview is divided into three thematic sections:
Section 1: Russel Westbrook’s Journey to 200 Triple-Doubles
Q: Patricia, as an esteemed sports analyst, can you share your thoughts on Russell Westbrook’s journey to achieving 200 career triple-doubles? What kind of challenges and obstacles did he face along the way?
Q: Coach Taylor, as someone who works closely with young basketball players, what are your thoughts on how Russell Westbrook has been able to maintain his level of performance and longevity? Do you think today’s players can emulate his work ethic and determination?
Section 2: Context and Significance of the Milestone
Q: Patricia, in light of the fact that Russell Westbrook is now 19 triple-doubles ahead of Oscar Robertson, can you discuss the context and significance of this accomplishment in the history of the NBA?
Q: Coach Taylor, as a coach, can you speak to the impact of Westbrook’s achievements on the younger generation of basketball players? How do they perceive him, and what does his success teach them about hard work and dedication?
Section 3: Reflections on Westbrook’s Impact on the Game
Q: Patricia, as someone who has covered Russell Westbrook’s career extensively, can you reflect on his impact on the game of basketball? What unique qualities make him such a successful player and a standout figure in the league?
Q: Coach Taylor, how would you describe the atmosphere around Gonzaga University in light of Russell Westbrook’s historic achievement? How have your players responded to his success, and do you think it has motivated them to strive for similar accomplishments in their own careers?