Russell Westbrook led the plaudits for Nikola Jokic after his Denver Nuggets colleague made yet more history in the win over the Atlanta Hawks.
Jokic became the first player in NBA history to register at least 15 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists while playing 30 minutes or fewer.
The five-time NBA All-Star finished with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists as the Nuggets defeated the Hawks 139-120 at the Ball Arena on Wednesday.
Speaking after the game, Westbrook said: "He's the best in the world. My job is to make the game easy for him; he does it for everybody else.
"It’s a pleasure to be able to share the floor with him."
Nikola Jokić of the @nuggets is the first player in NBA history to have at least 15 points, 15 rebounds & 15 assists in a game while playing 30 minutes or less. pic.twitter.com/y9vD4G4sY2
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) January 2, 2025
Jokic finished an assist shy of tallying up a triple-double in the first half, but registered his 14th of the season and 144th of his career early in the third quarter.
Jamal Murray scored 21 points, meanwhile, and Westbrook added 16 to go with his 11 assists as the Nuggets made it three wins in a row.
Westbrook was not entirely happy with the display from his side, though, feeling they should have maintained their defensive intensity throughout.
"We just gotta hold each other accountable," he said. "That starts with myself. Just defend from the first tip-off to the end of the buzzer.
"Tonight we did a good job of turning it up in the third quarter, and it helped us out with the win."
The Nuggets are now 19-13 for the season and are fourth in the Western Conference ahead of hosting the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
