Russell Westbrook has been “freakin’ brothers everyway like MJ” for a while now. According to Elias, over the last 40 years only Michael Jordan has put up more triple-doubles in a 30-game stretch (12 in 1988-89). The Thunder point notched his ninth triple-double of the season (all within the last 30 games) in a 123-116 win over the visiting Hawks last night.
It was Atlanta’s second consecutive loss after their ineffectual showing in a rematch against the best in the West, Golden State.
Russ again struggled from the field, shooting just 8-of-24, though he was 3-of-6 from deep, but his inefficiency shooting the rock wasn’t enough to overcome his 36 points (17/17 from the stripe), 14 assists, 10 rebounds and six turnovers. He’s a supersonic* force of nature, warts and all, so let him jack the ball more than usual or turn it over on occasion — the incredible far outweighs the foibles.
Westbrook’s ninth triple-double in his last 30 games was supported by Dion Waiters’ 26 points, 21 more from Anthony Marrow, and the 12-point, 16-rebound performance from Steven Adams. They’re missing Serge and KD now, so those role players need to step up in a big way to get the Thunder into the playoffs.
Besides MJ’s 12 in 1988-89, only Fat Lever, John Stockton and Jason Kidd had pulled off nine triple-doubles in a 30-game stretch. But none of them did it with the aplomb of Russ. Here’s more from Elias about Russell’s run:
This game also marked Westbrook’s fifth 30-point triple-double this season. Over the last 30 seasons, only Michael Jordan has more in a season after putting together 10 such triple-doubles during the 1988-89 campaign. The only other players with at least five such games in a season in the last 30 years besides Westbrook and Jordan? LeBron James and Magic.
Westbrook’s four 35-point triple-doubles are tied for the third most in a season in the last 50 years, according to Elias, behind only Oscar Robertson (six in 1966-67) and Jordan (five in 1988-89).
Westbrook’s nine triple-doubles are three times as many as any other player has this season.
It’s the passing that’s moved Russ into another realm. He commands so much attention, when he’s spotting teammates and they’re knocking down those open looks, Westbrook’s the MVP.
But even with an eye on getting his teammates involved, when there’s any sort of daylight he’s unrelenting in the open court.
