Russell Westbrook has been making history seemingly on a daily basis during the 2016-2017 NBA season and he did so yet again on Tuesday evening. By the middle of the third quarter in a nationally televised game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Westbrook had accumulated a triple-double. This particular performance was overly noteworthy given the fact that it was his 41st such showing on the year, tying Oscar Robertson’s record for triple-doubles in a season.
Russell Westbrook: 41st triple-double of season, tying Oscar Robertson's single-season record (1961-62 Royals) pic.twitter.com/0OJ79Aelts
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 5, 2017
Russell Westbrook has 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Triple-double No. 41. Still getting a standing ovation and massive MVP chants
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) April 5, 2017
Westbrook’s 41 triple-doubles are absolutely jarring over an 82-game season and there is, quite obviously, very little precedent for what he has been able to put together. On cue, the Oklahoma City crowd erupted in the immediate aftermath of the crucial sequence that provided both a rebound and an assist.
The moment. pic.twitter.com/7Y8FEU8VKw
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 5, 2017
When we last heard from Westbrook to this degree, he was producing a 57-point triple-double against Orlando last week but the fact that he was able to chase down a seemingly unbreakable record from a Hall of Fame player speaks for itself. With five opportunities remaining, it seems almost likely that Westbrook will be able to slay the beast that is Robertson’s record and, when he does, it will certainly be a night to remember.
Until then, we are left to simply marvel at how a player can rack up 41 triple-doubles in fewer than 82 NBA games.
