Russell Westbrook Becomes All Time Triple Double Leader
In a bittersweet night, Russell Westbrook wrote himself into the pinnacle of NBA history in Monday’s loss to the Hawks.Â
Russell Westbrook became the NBA’s all-time leader in triple doubles with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 21 assists. He surpassed Oscar Robertson’s record of 181 triple-doubles, which stood since 1974.Â
Russell Westbrook is averaging a triple double this season, and this was his 36th. His procession to the record includes seven in his last eight games.Â
The 13-year veteran, nine time All-Star and 2017 MVP is the only player averaging double digit assists this season. The 32 year old has triple doubles in five consecutive games.Â
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Westbrook has no doubt been aided by the speed of today’s NBA. However, even among his modern peers, he is easily the most prolific. Among active players, LeBron James is the closest to him with 99.
His league-leading 36 triple-doubles this season are the second highest in his career. He had 42 in his 2017 MVP season. Westbrook is on course to average a triple double for the fourth time in five seasons.Â
As well as that, he also surpassed 8,000 assists for his career. Only Robertson, LeBron James and Gary Payton have the same amount while also having 20,000 career points.Â
Although he missed a potentially game-winning three pointer, Westbrook was in a celebratory mood postgame.
“I normally don’t like to pat myself on the back but tonight I will just because I’m so grateful for the ones before me and so blessed to the man above to allow me to go out and do it,” Westbrook said.
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“I take this job very seriously and I’m super grateful for my teammates and coaches on my journey so far.”
It’s just a blessing,” Westbrook added. “You put so much into the game, you put in so much time. You sacrifice so much and to be able to mentioned with guys like Oscar and Magic and Jason Kidd and those guys, it’s just something I never dreamt about when I was a young kid growing up in LA. I’m truly grateful for moments like this.”
“I just want to thank him and the things (Robertson) was able to do for the game. I probably wouldn’t be doing some of the things I’m able to do now without his sacrifice and the things he did for the game as well,” Westbrook said.
