When fans pictured the game in which Russell Westbrook recorded his record-setting 42nd triple-double, it would have certainly been impressive, but few could have conceptualized that the game that pushed him ahead of Oscar Robertson would involve a 50-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist stat line and a game-winning buzzer beater.
Alas, that’s exactly what happened.
Just days after clinching a triple-double average for the season, Westbrook went to work chasing history. Had the 28-year-old not managed to complete the feat Sunday, he’d have had two more chances before the end of the season on Wednesday.
Westbrook’s historic triple-double came on an assist when Semaj Christon nailed a jumper and it was at that moment that the Big O’s 55-year, 1961-62 record fell.
A run of seven triple doubles from March 22 to April 4 put the guard in position to tie Robertson’s mark but he was thwarted twice this week against the Grizzlies and Suns. Consider the Nuggets more welcoming of history.
MVP
easily
For me, he’s the ‘most relied upon player’ – I’d say San Antonio, Cleveland and Houston would all fare better without their respective MVP candidates than OKC.
Add in the triple doubles, every game played, the scoring title and the fact he doesn’t have anywhere near as much help and that surely makes him a clear winner, in my opinion at least.
I think anyone else winning it would never escape the elephant in the room of Russell’s historic season, post KD trade.
I 100% agree, but don’t forget that OKC did not trade KD, so therefore they got nothing in return. Making it even more impressive
Kevin Durant wasn’t traded. He left okc for the golden state warriors in pursuit of winning a championship. Without Kevin Durant and serge Ibaka he is averaging a triple double with far less help compare to the candidates. In fact the thunder are winning because of it when Russell Westbrook has a triple double they are 33_9 when he’s don’t they are 13_24 So it a fair argument he win the mvp