Russell Westbrook's performance cited by Lou Williams to dampen Nikola Jokic's debate as a top 10 basketball player.
Kickin' It Casual: Jokic, Westbrook, and Triple-Double Revelations from Lou Williams
Got your attention with Nikola Jokic's mammoth performances for the Denver Nuggets? There's a familiar ring to those statistics, thinks former NBA virtuoso Lou Williams. Drawing parallels, he insists we should keep our expectations in check for the big man, echoing the sentiments we had about Russell Westbrook.
On the Fan Duel Run It Back Show, ol' Smooth Lou spilled the beans, discussing how the triple-double lords share some undeniable similarities. When Westbrook was owning triple-doubles for seasons on end, he was far from being hailed as a top-tier GOAT contender.
"Westbrook, the guy didn't score top-10 all-time because of those triple-doubles, right?" mused Lou, advising patience for Jokic. The world will have to see the totality of Jokic's career before we can make any truly definitive claims.
Westbrook earned his triple-double crown during a time when the Oklahoma City Thunder saw the departure of Kevin Durant, forcing the dynamo to shoulder the team offensively and defensively. Even when Paul George and Carmelo Anthony joined the fold, he continued his dominant streak.
Much like Westbrook, Jokic has been an unparalleled force for the Nuggets, boasting one of the best careers in NBA history during his MVP seasons. His on-court numbers are nothing short of remarkable. However, just because the numbers aren't eye-popping, it doesn't diminish their impact.
A Tale of Two Titans
Intriguing as the rivalry between these two titans may be, it's crucial to remember that they're on the same team, both striving towards the same objective. With Westbrook nearing the twilight of his career, however, it's Jokic who seems to be hitting his prime.
Despite their contrasting playstyles, both players remain equally effective. Westbrook is a gorgeous example of raw athleticism, arguably the most explosive athletes basketball has ever seen. Jokic, on the other hand, is the offensive engine, drawing teams towards him due to his scoring and playmaking prowess.
Denver's Game 1 win over the Thunder saw Jokic pull off an astounding 42-point, 22-rebound performance. Given the Thunder's No. 1 seed status, it's a victory that speaks volumes about Jokic's skill and determination.
Some might argue that this was merely a B-game for Jokic, but that somehow, nobody could stop his dominance.
Lou hopes we'll adopt the same hesitation with Jokic that we did with Westbrook. However, considering Jokic's NBA title, Finals MVP, and other accolades, it's a tall order to bear. Either way, it's an interesting debate to follow.
[1] Russell Westbrook Destroyed the Triple-Double Record. Here's How He Did It[2] The Night Russell Westbrook Hit 12 Threes (And Destroyed the Thunder Record)[3] Nikola Jokic Hits Historic Triple-Double in Bucks' Loss to Nuggets
- Russell Westbrook's dominance during his seasons with the triple-doubles didn't make him a top-tier GOAT contender, just as we must exercise patience with Nikola Jokic's career to make definitive claims.
- Westbrook's raw athleticism and Jokic's scoring and playmaking prowess exemplify their contrasting yet equally effective playstyles in the NBA.
- Jokic's 42-point, 22-rebound performance in Game 1 against the Thunder showcased his skill and determination, reminiscent of Westbrook's own dominant streak.
- Jokic's impressive NBA accolades, including an NBA title and Finals MVP, make it a tall order to bear the same hesitation for him as was shown with Westbrook, but it remains a fascinating debate to follow.
