Russell Westbrook makes NBA history in Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors

The Denver Nuggets face the Toronto Raptors on Monday night looking for their fourth win of the NBA season. Starting the season 3-3 through six games, the Nuggets are working on different lineup combinations.

One of the Nuggets' new additions this offseason was nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook. The 17-year-old veteran point guard served as Denver's backup to Jamal Murray, but with Murray in the NBA's concussion protocol, Westbrook was promoted to the starting lineup.

Westbrook made his second start of the season on Monday night against Toronto and made NBA history by moving to 17th all-time in total steals.

Westbrook had five steals in Denver's win over the Utah Jazz and was named Defensive Player of the Game by head coach Michael Malone.

Via Nuggets: “Two for two 🧊”

Westbrook was a very underrated defender throughout his NBA career, never earning All-Defensive honors but always being one of the hardest defenders to score against. This has been particularly noticeable in recent seasons, as Westbrook has often had to be relied upon to defend the other team's best guard.

Defense is one of the reasons the Nuggets signed Westbrook, and he has played at a very high level in that regard early in the NBA season. Known for his triple-doubles, playmaking, scoring titles and more, Westbrook now ranks 17th all-time in steals.

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