Mike Malone Shares Nikola Jokic’s Playful Dig at Russell Westbrook: “You Didn’t Get a 30-20-20 Game Before?”
On Friday night, Nikola Jokic etched his name in NBA history as the first player ever to record a 30-point, 20-rebound, 20-assist triple-double. Amid the historic moment, Jokic couldn’t resist a bit of playful trash talk.
According to Matt Brooks, a digital content specialist for the Denver Nuggets, head coach Michael Malone overheard Jokic jokingly asking Russell Westbrook:
“Russ, you didn’t get a 30-20-20 game before?”
While Westbrook, who holds the all-time triple-double record with 202, has dominated the stat category, he has never accomplished what Jokic did in Denver’s 149-141 overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns. The Serbian superstar finished with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists, cementing his place in NBA history.
Of the many legendary players who have racked up triple-doubles—Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, and Jason Kidd—none have ever posted a 30-20-20 stat line.
Malone couldn’t help but shower praise on his superstar big man:
“Nikola Jokic is one of one,” Malone said in the post-game press conference. “I can’t describe him, so don’t ask me to. The guy’s just an incredible player.”
Jokic Jokes About Surpassing Westbrook’s Triple-Double Record
At this pace, Jokic surpassing Westbrook as the all-time leader in triple-doubles seems inevitable.
In a birthday montage shared by the Nuggets’ social media team, Jokic made a bold wish:
“I’m looking forward to breaking his record in triple-doubles,” Jokic said, pointing at Westbrook. “And then I’m gonna make fun of him the whole life.”
Westbrook, in response, dramatically placed his hands on his head, feigning disbelief. While Jokic currently sits at 149 career triple-doubles, his march toward Westbrook’s historic mark of 202 is becoming more realistic
with each passing game.
