Nikola Jokić sends a warning to Westbrook: "I want to break his triple-double record..."

Nikola Jokić has never been one to seek the spotlight, but when it comes to his dominance on the court, the numbers speak for themselves. The Denver Nuggets’ superstar is on pace to potentially break Russell Westbrook’s all-time triple-double record, and he’s having some fun with it. Recently, Jokić jokingly stated, “I’m looking forward to breaking his record in triple-doubles… and then I’m gonna make fun of him the whole life.” While said in jest, there’s an underlying truth—Jokić is inching closer to making NBA history.

Currently, the all-time triple-double leaders are:

Russell Westbrook – 202 triple-doubles
Oscar Robertson – 181 triple-doubles
Nikola Jokić – 155 triple-doubles (and counting)

The Serbian big man has changed the way we view NBA centers, revolutionizing the position with his elite passing, scoring, and rebounding abilities. Could he realistically surpass Westbrook’s record? Let’s analyze how close he is and what it would take to make history.

Jokić’s Unstoppable Triple-Double Pace

Nikola Jokić has been a triple-double machine since he became the Denver Nuggets’ centerpiece. His court vision, high basketball IQ, and ability to control the game make him a unique talent. Unlike traditional playmakers, Jokić racks up triple-doubles effortlessly from the center position.

Jokić’s Season-by-Season Progression

Since the 2018-19 season, Jokić has consistently increased his triple-double totals:

2018-19: 12 triple-doubles
2019-20: 13 triple-doubles
2020-21: 16 triple-doubles (First MVP season)
2021-22: 19 triple-doubles (Second MVP season)
2022-23: 29 triple-doubles (Led the league)
2023-24: On pace to break his own record

With 155 career triple-doubles, Jokić needs just 48 more to surpass Westbrook’s 202. At his current pace, this could happen in two to three seasons—assuming he stays healthy and continues to play at a high level.

Jokić vs. Westbrook: A Battle of Styles

Westbrook and Jokić are two completely different players, yet both have mastered the art of stuffing the stat sheet.

Westbrook: The Explosive Force

Westbrook achieved his triple-doubles through sheer athleticism and relentless energy.
His 2016-17 MVP season was historic—averaging a triple-double for the season and finishing with 42 total.
His aggressive attacking style led to high assist and rebounding numbers for a point guard.
However, his efficiency and decision-making have often been questioned.

Jokić: The Cerebral Playmaker

Jokić’s triple-doubles feel effortless, coming from elite passing, positioning, and IQ.
He controls the game at his own pace, using his size and vision to pick apart defenses.
Unlike Westbrook, Jokić is one of the most efficient players in NBA history, shooting at a high percentage while still dishing out assists and grabbing rebounds.
He’s also had a huge impact on winning, leading Denver to its first-ever NBA Championship in 2023.

Will Jokić Break Westbrook’s Record?

At 29 years old, Jokić still has plenty of years left in his prime. If he continues averaging around 25-30 triple-doubles per season, he could surpass Westbrook’s mark in 2-3 years. But will he maintain this level of production?

Factors That Could Help Jokić Break the Record

Longevity & Health – Jokić has been relatively injury-free compared to other stars, giving him a strong chance to play at a high level for many years.
Team System – The Nuggets’ offense revolves around him, ensuring he continues to have high assist and rebound opportunities.
Basketball IQ & Adaptability – Jokić’s game is not based on athleticism, meaning his skillset will age well compared to other players.

Challenges That Could Prevent Him

Rest & Load Management – As he ages, the Nuggets may start limiting his regular-season minutes to keep him fresh for the playoffs.
Shifting Team Roles – Denver’s roster might evolve, with younger players taking more responsibility, potentially reducing Jokić’s role.
Triple-Double Fatigue – Unlike Westbrook, Jokić isn’t chasing triple-doubles; he plays within the game’s flow. If his stats drop slightly, he may not reach the mark.

What This Means for Jokić’s Legacy

If Jokić surpasses Westbrook’s triple-double record, it will further cement his status as one of the most unique players in NBA history. He has already won:

3x NBA MVPs (2021, 2022, 2024)
1x NBA Championship (2023 Finals MVP)
7x All-Star Selections
6x All-NBA Team Appearances
2x Olympic Medals (Silver & Bronze with Serbia)

Should he become the all-time triple-double king, he would solidify his place among legends like Magic Johnson, LeBron James, and Oscar Robertson.

Jokić’s Playful Trash Talk with Westbrook

Jokić’s personality has always been laid-back and fun-loving, so it’s no surprise he joked about teasing Westbrook for life after breaking his record. Unlike Westbrook, who played with an intense edge, Jokić enjoys playing with a calm, joyful approach. His remark shows his competitive nature but also his lighthearted personality—a mix that has made him one of the most beloved players in the NBA.

Will Westbrook respond? Given his fiery attitude, he might have something to say if Jokić gets too close to his record.

Conclusion: Jokić’s Triple-Double Takeover is Coming

Nikola Jokić’s journey to the triple-double record is one of the most exciting stories in the NBA. With 155 triple-doubles and counting, he is well on his way to surpassing Russell Westbrook and rewriting history. While he’s having fun joking about it, there’s no denying the seriousness of his greatness.

If Jokić keeps up this pace, we could soon see a new triple-double king in the NBA. And when that day comes, you can bet that Westbrook will be hearing about it from Jokić for a long, long time.

With his unique style, undeniable skill, and an ever-growing list of accolades, Jokić is proving that dominance can come in many forms—and that sometimes, a little playful trash talk makes the journey even more fun.

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