Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook is continuing to show why he is one of the best players in today’s NBA. With a triple-double in Tuesday’s 119-107 win against the Atlanta Hawks, Westbrook became just the fourth player in the history of NBA to reach 100 career triple-doubles. In the game against the Hawks, Westbrook had 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Now the 29-year-old is in the company of NBA legends Oscar Robinson (181 career triple-doubles), Magic Johnson (138 career triple-doubles) and Jason Kidd (107 career triple-doubles). Westbrook reached the mark playing in 736 NBA games, which makes him the third fastest to do so. Robinson needed only 277 games to reach 100 triple-doubles, while Johnson got his in 656th game.
”Oh man, just an unbelievable blessing,” – said Westbrook on Tuesday night. ‘‘I give thanks to the man above just for allowing me to go out and play the game I love each and every night. I never take it for granted. The group of guys that’s ahead are Hall of Famers,” Westbrook said. ”I’m just happy to be a part of the crew with those guys.”
This achievement of Russell Westbrook is even bigger when put in a proper perspective. For example, Westbrook has more triple-doubles than 23 NBA franchises have in their entire history. Also, he managed to post a triple-double against all 29 other teams, something that no player managed to do. Finally, his triple-doubles aren’t just stat stuffing as some would argue, but also translate to wins. Thunder have an 82-18 record when Westbrook has a triple-double.
“Just to be in the presence of that, of him, to do what he does on a nightly basis, night in and night out,” – said his teammate Carmelo Anthony. “The focus you have to have, the intensity level you have to play with. For me to be able to be a part of that, to be alongside him, like I said, it’s a special moment. I think it’s something that we should all appreciate, moments like this and appreciate what we have and who we have, especially in a moment like we are in right now.“
