Westbrook sets career high for triple-doubles in ugly fashion
Those who believe the triple-double is an overrated statistic can point to Russell Westbrook's performance in Friday's 96-86 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves as evidence.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star recorded his 19th triple-double of the season - a career high over the course of his nine years in the NBA - but his 21 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds also came with 10 turnovers and 7-of-23 shooting (0-for-12 in the second half).
As a result, Westbrook finished with his second quadruple-double of the season when turnovers are included.
Still, it was the 56th time he finished in double-digits in the three positive categories, and is now only three behind Larry Bird for fifth all time.
| Player | Triple-doubles |
|---|---|
| Oscar Robertson | 181 |
| Magic Johnson | 138 |
| Jason Kidd | 107 |
| Wilt Chamberlain | 78 |
| Larry Bird | 59 |
| Russell Westbrook | 56 |
With Friday's performance, Westbrook has 19 triple-doubles in 41 games - exactly half the NBA season. He also remains on pace to average a triple-double for an entire campaign for the first time since Oscar Robertson in 1961-62.
| GP | PTS | REB | AST | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar Roberson 1961-62 | 79 | 30.8 | 12.5 | 11.4 |
| Russell Westbrook 2016-17 | 41 | 30.8 | 10.7 | 10.5 |