Russell Westbrook makes NBA history in Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat on Friday night with Jamal Murray returning to the starting lineup. Murray had missed the last three games due to a concussion but returned with great success.

With 28 points, six assists and four rebounds, Murray had his best game of the NBA season. His return brought Russell Westbrook back to the bench, and the nine-time NBA All-Star put in another impressive performance.

Westbrook didn’t have to take on a heavy goal load in this game without Murray, but he showed his talent and recorded ten assists in just 24 minutes of play. The 17-year-old veteran also continued his strong defensive game.

In addition to the victory, Westbrook also made NBA history in this game.

With his 18th career game in which he recorded at least 10 assists off the bench, Westbrook passed Earl Watson to record the seventh such game in NBA history. That’s very impressive considering Westbrook appeared in just 129 games as a reserve, while Watson played 651 games as a substitute.

By averaging 18.3 points, 6.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 2.7 steals on 50 percent shooting as a starter this season, Westbrook has proven he can still produce at a high level. While this isn’t his role every night, he can impact the game in a variety of ways.

Westbrook spent most of his career as a starter and broke numerous records in his prime. Now primarily a reserve player, Westbrook continues to make NBA history with his 36th birthday just days away.

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