The name Russell Westbrook has become synonymous with triple doubles as of late, as the all-star point guard of the Oklahoma City Thunder is putting on a performance that the NBA has not seen since the 60s. He is averaging monstrous numbers with 30.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists this season as per Basketball Reference. An otherworldly feat when you consider that he is just 6 foot 3.
His latest outing was against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he notched his 23rd triple-double of the season with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists to lead his team to 114-105 victory. This was also his 60th triple double for his career, which pushes him past the great Larry Bird to become fifth on the all-time triple double leaders according to Bleacher Report.
"Obviously, he's a legend for a reason. It's an honor, man. You never take this game for granted. Obviously, to be able to play the game I love every night and to be able to do that is a great accomplishment." This is what Westbrook had to say when asked about passing Larry Bird, as per the report by USA Today.
The Thunder would build a 22 point lead in the game, but the Pelicans would battle back to cut the deficit to within 5. However, Westbrook seemed to do exactly what the Thunder needed, whether it was to score on his own or find open teammates as a result of him attacking the basket. Thunder frontcourt players Steven Adams would have 20 points and 11 rebounds while Enes Kanter had 17 points and 11 rebounds, most of which came from Westbrook drop passes. Stats for all the players in this game can be seen on NBA.com. Victor Oladipo contributed 15 points, including 5 crucial ones down the stretch to help the Thunder seal the win.
"He's going to be one of the best ever to play the game," was the comment Victor Oladipo had with his teammate. "He's just playing as hard as he can. He does whatever it takes to win." He added. That is certainly the case as anyone who has watched the Thunder play this season can clearly see that Westbrook gives his 110 percent whenever he is on the floor. After all, not just anyone can have their names in the same conversation as legends like Larry Bird.
Another legend that Westbrook might pass this season is the Big O himself, Oscar Robertson. He has the most triple doubles in NBA history with 181 in his 14 year career. The Big O holds the record for most triple doubles in a single season with 41 in the 1961-62 NBA season as per Interbasket.com's list. The Thunder still have 36 games to play and Westbrook now only needs 19 triple doubles to get to 42. Eyes will certainly be on him every time he steps on the court as he could be making history this season.
