"You’re watching history": Mike Malone makes his feelings known on Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook’s joint triple-double masterclass 

Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook made history on Friday night after they became the second duo to post a 25-point triple-double in the same game in NBA history. The Denver Nuggets tandem went off on the Brooklyn Nets at home, drawing a lot of praise from fans around the league.

More than that, coach Michael Malone had some words for his players, celebrating their capacity to perform at such a high level, noting that Jokic came back against Brooklyn after dealing with an injury.

“First game for Nikola after his return. He was fantastic, which is no surprise. Same goes for Russell Westbrook. You’re witnessing history here, watching ‘History Channel.’ Peyton Watson was also great, earning defensive player of the game honors with two blocks, two steals, and seven rebounds.

"Nothing is easy here; everything has to be earned, but there were some easy moments tonight watching Russell and Nikola. You have two of the greatest triple-double players in NBA history influencing the game in every way, and that’s a blessing I don’t take for granted," he said.

Malone clapped back at critics saying that Nikola Jokic stat pads, making it clear he knows that kind of player and the Serbian center isn't one of them.

Jokic finished this big night with 35 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists while Russell Westbrook added 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Denver beat Brooklyn 125-104, improving to 22-15 and ranking fourth in the Western Conference standings.

Russell Westbrook is thriving with the Denver Nuggets

Following two rocky tenures with the LA Lakers and LA Clippers, respectively, Russell Westbrook found his way to Denver to play with a team that looked like a good fit for his style of play.

After initial doubts about his ability to mesh with his new teammates, and fans saying he was stat padding by going off when his team was either losing or winning by a lot, Westbrook turned things around and became a force for the Nuggets.

His impact off the bench was already big, but once he became a starter, the Nuggets started getting more wins. In the first nine games of Westbrook as a regular starter, Denver has won seven games.

The 2017 NBA MVP is averaging 15.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.4 rebounds over that span. In addition, he's recorded three triple-doubles. The Nuggets have been generous with Brodie and that decision is paying off.