Wizards Russell Westbrook Sets Record for Career Triple-Doubles
Russell Westbrook jumped up for an uncontested defensive rebound with 8:30 remaining against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday and leaped past Oscar Robertson in the history books to become the NBA's triple-double king.
That simple rebound in the fourth quarter of the Wizards' 125-124 loss at Atlanta completed a history-making triple-double that snapped a record many thought was previously unattainable and had stood since Robertson recorded his 181st triple-double on March 24, 1974. Robertson had been the all-time leader in the category since he took the lead during the 1961-62 season.
"It's just a blessing," said Westbrook, who singled out his first triple-double against Dallas as the one that stands out the most to him. "You put so much into the game, so much time, you sacrifice so much, to be able to just be mentioned with guys like Oscar, Magic [Johnson] and Jason Kidd, those guys, is something I never dreamed about as a young kid growing up in L.A. Truly grateful for moments like this.
With his 28 points, 13 rebounds and 21 assists Monday, the Wizards' point guard now has 36 triple-doubles on the season with three games remaining. He already has set the record for most triple-doubles in a season with the 42 he had in 2016-17.
Robertson, Johnson (138), Kidd (107) and LeBron James (99) are now the men who follow Westbrook in the top five of most career triple-doubles.