Oklahoma City Thunder dynamo Russell Westbrook became the first NBA player in 27 years to notch five consecutive triple-doubles. The incredible feat was last achieved by one Michael Jordan, who did it in seven straight games in 1989.
Russell Westbrook had 28 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans. As noted by NBA.com, the explosive guard also had 10 turnovers in the game, which made him the first player to reach double figures in all four categories since Jason Kidd did it in 2000.
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 101-92 to climb to 13-8 and sixth place in the Western Conference. It was Russell Westbrook’s 10th triple-double of the season. The Thunder are 8-2 when Westbrook records a triple-double this season. As a note, the rest of the NBA has 11 combined triple-doubles this season. Last season, Westbrook was also able to achieve the feat in four straight games.
With his fifth straight triple-double game, Russell Westbrook now leads all active players in career triple-doubles with a total of 47—the sixth most in NBA history. NBA.com also points out that his 10 triple-doubles in 21 games is the fastest any player has reached the double-digit mark in recent history. The only player to have done it faster was Oscar Robertson, who needed just 12 games to achieve the feat in 1961.
Wilt Chamberlain, who did it for nine straight games in 1968, holds the record for most consecutive triple-doubles. Other players who have done it for five straight games include Oscar Robertson (1961 and 1962) and Wilt Chamberlain (1968). Russell Westbrook now trails Larry Bird for the fifth most triple-doubles in league history. “Larry Legend” had 59 in his storied career.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have won seven of their last 10 games. They travel to Atlanta on Monday to face the Hawks.