Russell Westbrook's 18 triple-doubles last season were the most in an NBA campaign since Magic Johnson matched the feat in 1982, but Westbrook might be gunning for a record of his own this year.
By collecting his 10th rebound of the game with 3:47 remaining in the third quarter of Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard recorded his second straight triple-double. The rest of the league has combined for one (LeBron James on opening night) through the first week of the season, and it's the first time in 34 years (Magic Johnson) that a player has recorded multiple triple-doubles within a season's first three games.
Just two nights after recording the first 50-point triple-double since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it 41 years ago, Westbrook finished with 33 points, 16 assists, 12 rebounds, a steal, and a block in a season-low 34 minutes against the Lakers, as OKC improved to 3-0 on the year.
Westbrook also came an assist shy of recording a triple-double in a season-opening win over Philadelphia.
Related: Westbrook fires insane bounce-pass to Oladipo
Westbrook did turn the ball over seven times on Sunday after turning it over just seven times combined through his first two games, though that's a lot more palatable when a player seemingly has a hand in almost all of his team's offensive production.
Through three games, the MVP favorite is averaging 38.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 11.7 assists, and a steal on 45 percent shooting, becoming the first player in NBA history with at least 100 points, 30 rebounds, and 30 assists after his team's opening three contests.
100 points, 30 assists, 30 rebounds
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 31, 2016
3-game span, last 30 years
Russell Westbrook (twice)
LeBron James
Larry Bird
Michael Jordan
Westbrook and the Thunder and will be back in action Wednesday when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers.
