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Westbrook secures triple-double average to match Robertson's 55-year-old feat

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

With his sixth assist of the night against the Phoenix Suns on Friday - an outlet pass to Victor Oladipo for a layup - Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook secured the NBA's first season-long triple-double average since Oscar Robertson achieved the feat in 1961-62.

Westbrook, who's suited up for all 79 of Oklahoma City's games this season, now has enough total points, rebounds, and assists to finish with double-digit averages in each category through 82 games.

Friday's game wasn't exactly the storybook stuff Westbrook's season has been made of. On the night he would secure his landmark achievement, he missed his first 11 field goals and turned the ball over six times before he hit a shot, as the Thunder trailed by as many as 28 points against a team that came in riding a 13-game losing streak.

Westbrook came out like a house afire to start the second half, assisting on the first three Thunder baskets to clinch the triple-double average, and scoring a few of his own to help his team eat into the Suns' lead. They'd trim the deficit to as few as 11 points, but wouldn't get closer than that. Devin Booker went off in the second half, and the Suns halted their skid by cruising to a 120-99 victory.

Despite his best efforts in garbage time, Westbrook came up just short of what would've been a record-breaking 42nd triple-double of the season. He finished with 23 points (on 6-of-25 shooting), 12 rebounds, eight assists, and eight turnovers.

With three games to play, Westbrook is averaging 31.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists.

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