Russell Westbrook has been on an absolute tear through 18 games of his first season as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s clear-cut alpha dog. His seven triple doubles for that stretch has had people wondering if the electric guard could actually match Oscar Robertson’s mark of averaging a triple double for an entire season. On Monday, Russell Westbrook made the buzz louder as his 27-point, 18-rebound, 14-assist performance against the New York Knicks now has him averaging a triple double through 19 games.
With the 45th triple double of his career, Russell Westbrook tied LeBron James’ career total, giving him the sixth-most in NBA history. He managed the spectacular feat, by playing 395 less games than LeBron James. As noted by ESPN Stats & Info following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s domination the Detroit Pistons Saturday, Russell Westbrook notched his 44th triple double in just 605 career games. LeBron James needed 1,000 games to reach the same number. For the season, Russell Westbrook is currently averaging 30.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 11.3 assists for the 11-8 Oklahoma City Thunder.
Russell Westbrook (@okcthunder) on Saturday tied LeBron James for the sixth-most triple-doubles in NBA history pic.twitter.com/I5JEwGeq14
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 27, 2016
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan said he believes that his team’s explosive leader could match the legendary Oscar Robertson’s feat. “Yeah, he could do it. He could do it. I’m not gonna say he is or isn’t because I think the more important thing is Russell is winning, but he’s a guy that has great impact on generating assists. He has a great impact on rebounding the basketball and he can score. So, there’s certainly a possibility that can happen. Obviously what he’s done this point in time has been pretty remarkable,” Donovan was quoted by The Norman Transcript.
Oscar Robertson averaged a triple double in the 1961-62. His season averages for that year was 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists.
