Westbrook ties triple-double record, Cavs and Warriors win
LOS ANGELES : Ru s s el l Westbrook tied Oscar Robertson’s record for most triple- doubles in an NBA season on Tuesday, his 41st triple- double of the campaign fuel ing the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 110-79 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Westbrook drained a threepointer just before hal ftime to finish the first half with 12 points.
Minutes into the third period he notched his 10th rebound and within seconds had delivered a 10th assist on Taj Gibson’s basket that put the Thunder up 67- 42.
Fans in Oklahoma City went wild, and chants of “M-V-P! M-VP!” rang out for Westbrook, who raised an arm in acknowledgement as the feat was recognised by the arena announcer when play was stopped.
“It’s something I could never have dreams of growing up,” said Westbrook, who can break the record Robertson set in the 1961- 62 season on Wednesday night against the Grizzlies in Memphis.
“To be able to be on this stage with this group of guys, it’s unbelievable and a blessing.”
Westbrook finished the game with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists and the playoff- bound Thunder snapped a two- game skid.
“It was a special night ,” Westbrook said.
With a seventh straight tripledouble, Westbrook matched his career- high streak fashioned earlier this season.
Westbrook’s 41 triple- doubles this season are more than 10 NBA teams have amassed in their club histories.
Cavaliers great LeBron James took his career tally of tripledoubles to 54 on Tuesday with his 12th of the season, scoring 18 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Cleveland’s 122-102 victory over the Orlando Magic.
The reigning champion Cavs limbered up for a Wednesday duel with the Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference lead. Their victory pulled them level with the Celtics atop the East.
Cleveland, coming off a doubleovertime home victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, got off to a slow start and trailed 55- 53 at halftime.
The Cavaliers produced nine three- pointers as they seized control in the third quarter. — AFP