Nikola Jokic makes NBA history, now triple double king

Nikola Jokic now has more triple-doubles than anyone in NBA history when the regular season and playoffs are counted together.

Jokic put up 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists the Nuggets center recording his first triple-double of the season Saturday night in Denver’s home opening, comeback 141-135 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. It was the 222nd of his career across the regular season and playoffs, which moved him past his former teammate Russell Westbrook. It was also Jokic’s 199th regular-season triple-double.

Nikola Jokic passes Russell Westbrook for the most triple-doubles in NBA history — regular season and postseason combined. He records No. 222 here in OT vs the Pelicans.

— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) October 25, 2026

Westbrook had been the NBA’s triple-double leader since May 2021, when he passed Oscar Robertson’s regular-season record. He retired this summer after 18 seasons with 209 regular-season triple-doubles, the most in league history. He added 12 more in the playoffs, for a combined total of 221.

The difference between the two is the playoffs. Westbrook recorded his 12 postseason triple-doubles over 135 playoff games. Nikola Jokic has 23 in 100 playoff games, nearly twice as many in about 35 fewer games. That postseason edge is what put him ahead first.

Westbrook still holds the regular-season record, though probably not for long. Jokic is 10 regular-season triple-doubles behind him. Since the 2020 season, he has averaged 31.4 triple-doubles a year. At that pace, he would pass Westbrook’s 209 well before the All-Star break and could finish the season about 20 ahead of the old record.

The record may give Nuggets fans something to celebrate early. Denver opened the season with a loss at Oklahoma City on Thursday, scoring just 84 points as the Thunder held them to 37.8% shooting. The Nuggets are also dealing with early injuries. Cam Johnson hurt his ankle in the opener, and Spencer Jones was ruled out of Saturday’s game with a hamstring strain.

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets will see New Orleans again right away. The teams play twice in five days, with a rematch on Wednesday in New Orleans. Fans will have to wait a little longer to see Nikola Jokic take the regular-season record from his old teammate. For now, counting the playoffs, he has more triple-doubles than anyone in NBA history.

Related

Nuggets are managing Aaron Gordon’s minutes, even on a night they needed every oneJokic quiet, Jamal struggles, Johnson hurt as Nuggets debut fades in worst offensive game since 2019Adelman says Nuggets are chasing again: ‘Vegas doesn’t think we have a chance’Expert NBA picks: Panel fails Nuggets’ offseason, most see second-round exitNuggets make contract decision on young shooterNuggets’ Julian Strawther out at least six weeks