Washington Wizards superstar Russell Westbrook is now the sole owner of the NBA’s All-Time triple-double record. Westbrook got his 182nd career triple-double on Monday night against Atlanta Hawks, surpassing Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson (181 triple-doubles).
Westbrook’s record-breaking moment came with less than nine minutes left in the Hawks game when he grabbed an uncontested rebound to get 10 for the night. He finished the contest, in which Washington lost 124-125, with 28 points, 21 assists, and 13 boards.
Previously, Westbrook became the first player since Robertson to average a triple-double in a regular season. He achieved the feat during an MVP season in 2016-17 when he also broke the record for most triple-doubles in a season with 42. The 32-year-old star would go on to average a triple-double two more times and is on track to do so in 2020-21 as well.
The closest players to Westbrook and Robertson in terms of triple-doubles are Magic Johnson with 138 and Jason Kidd with 107. The only other active player in the top five is LeBron James, who has 99 triple-doubles.
Speaking about his achievement, Westbrook called it “a blessing” and said that it’s an honor to be mentioned with the game’s greats like Robertson, Johnson, and Kidd.
“Normally I don’t like to pat myself on the back but tonight I will,” said Westbrook. “Just because I am so grateful for the ones before me and so blessed.”
Russell Westbrook’s record-breaking season wasn’t just for stats. His triple-doubles have helped Washington to turn around their season and get a chance to make the playoffs. The Wizards are currently No. 9 in the East and are set to appear in the play-in tournament.
