Darron Cummings/Linked Press
No one has more career triple-doubles than Russell Westbrook after the Washington Wizards essential particular person tallied his 182nd within the direction of Monday’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but he became once appreciative of those who got right here sooner than him after the efficiency.
He thanked Oscar Robertson as the one who “paved the style” as the earlier epic holder.
“In overall I produce now not devour to pat myself on the inspire but tonight I will,” he told newshounds. “I am exact so grateful for individuals who got right here sooner than me … massive grateful for my teammates, coaches along my scurry. Special thanks to my family.”
Westbrook broke the epic in style Monday though his crew lost 125-124.
He executed with 28 components, 21 assists and 13 rebounds while spearheading a gradual comeback after his crew fell leisurely by 17 heading into the fourth quarter. The total consideration he drew helped launch up looks for his teammates, and the tip result became once six Wizards in double figures.
Soundless, he overlooked the aptitude game-winning shot within the final seconds.
It became once exact one game, though, for a crew that is largely locked into the play-in tournament at this stage. Of more significance became once the UCLA product’s accomplishment, and it comes as no surprise he identified Robertson’s greatness as neatly.
After all, the 2 will eternally be linked fascinated about Westbrook now not only surpassed the Corridor of Famer as the all-time triple-double chief but also turned the first player to average a triple-double in a entire season since Robertson when he did so three straight years from 2016-17 by means of 2018-19 as a member of the Oklahoma Metropolis Remark.
Westbrook is on trek to average a triple-double another time this season and entered play with averages of 22.0 components, 11.6 rebounds and 11.5 assists.
He and Robertson are the first two avid gamers who advance to mind when fascinated about the triple-double, and it became once only fitting Westbrook identified his counterpart after reaching the epic.