Westbrook averaging triple-double numbers
RUSSELL Westbrook secured his eighth triple-double of the season as the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled over the New York Knicks on Monday.
Westbrook’s virtuoso display stole the show as the Thunder overpowered the Knicks 112-103 at Madison Square Garden to improve to 11-8.
It was his third straight triple-double and the 45th of his career, leaving the 28-year-old tied in sixth place with LeBron James on the all-time list.
Westbrook needed just 20 minutes to complete his latest masterclass, part of a haul that leaves him averaging triple- double numbers for the season.
The point guard finished with 27 points, 18 rebounds and 14 assists, taking his season average to 30.9 points per game, 11.3 assists and 10.4 rebounds.
Only one player in NBA history – Oscar Robertson in 1961-62 – has ever gone an entire season averaging tripledouble numbers.
Westbrook is on pace to equal Robertson’s record, albeit with only 19 games of the season gone.
Westbrook insists that matching Robertson’s record is not on his agenda: “I don’t really care, honestly. I like to win and compete at a high level . . . I just do the same thing, and grateful to be blessed and play the game I love.”
Thunder coach Billy Donovan suggested Westbrook was the most complete player in the NBA. “It’s amazing what he’s doing,” Donovan said.
“There’s also a part of it that he’s probably the most unique player in the NBA because you’ve got great scorers, great assist guys, great rebounders.
“There are a lot of great players in this league, but he kind of touches it all in every facet of the game.”