Russell Westbrook technical foul in 200th triple-double game overturned

Russell Westbrook’s history-making triple-double this week was going to cost until it didn’t.

The NBA overturned a technical foul called against Westbrook on Tuesday for staring down Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama after driving past him for a layup — sparing Westbrook the accompanying $2,000 fine.

“I’ll get my money back,” he said Thursday, laughing. “I can have it in my pocket now.”

Westbrook’s reaction to the call was more confused than outraged. It happened late in the third quarter as he neared a triple-double that made him the first player in NBA history with 200. As Westbrook turned to get back on defense, he caught a glimpse of Aldama but didn’t to say any word, only for the nearest referee to stop the game.

“I knew it wasn’t a technology,” the 36-year-old point guard said. “You know if I get a technical, I earn it. So I didn’t say anything, that one. So I’m glad (the league) looked over and got it overturned.”

Westbrook finished the night with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists off the bench in a road win.

Celebrating the event required some medical attention, however. In the locker room, Westbrook was handed a sheet of paper to hold up a picture. The number “200” was written on it. The only problem: Nuggets video producer Austin Carriere used a pencil instead of a sharpie, making the number look dim in the team’s social media posts. When the photo went semi-viral with jokes on social media, Westbrook edited the photo in a separate Instagram post by writing “200” on top of the handwritten version.

“I did (see the memes),” Westbrook said, laughing. “That’s why I changed mine.”

Reflecting on the milestone with reporters again after Denver’s practice on Thursday, teammate DeAndre Jordan wandered over to interrupt the interview screw, exclaiming, “200 triple-doubles!”

“In my sleep,” Westbrook replied.

More seriously, he said, “When you set a standard to do something consistently, people don’t know how to react to it, and I love that. That’s the best part of the journey, just being able to do things that aren’t been done.”