Russell Westbrook only needed two games to start flashing on triple-doubles with Houston Rockets. In Rockets’ 126-123 win over New Orleans Pelicans over the weekend, Westbrook posted a stat line of 28 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds which handed him his 139th career triple-double.
Besides being his first in Rockets’ jersey, this triple-double was also crucial for Westbrook for one more reason. It propelled him past Los Angeles Lakers’ legend Magic Johnson to the second place on All-Time Triple-Double List.
“I know nowadays, getting a triple-double seems normal, but I take a pride, a lot of energy, a lot of sacrifice, a lot of things I do off the floor to prepare myself to be able to compete every single night and play at a high level,” – said Westbrook after the game. “For me, that’s a great accomplishment, especially growing up never thinking I’d play in the NBA. Now, I’ll be in the history books.”
Johnson later congratulated Westbrook for this feat on social media.
Russell Westbrook, who averaged a triple-double in the past two seasons, is now behind Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson. During his 14 seasons in NBA, Robertson put up 181 triple-doubles.
There was a lot of controversy about Westbrook’s triple-doubles over the years, as certain analysts and members of the media have accused the 30-year-old All-Star off stats padding. According to them, he is pumping up his rebound numbers by taking uncontested boards.
However, the numbers show the real nature of his triple-doubles. In games where Westbrook had a triple-double, his teams have 111-28 record.
