Kemba, Harden, Russ post triple-doubles on Christmas
Kemba Walker continued his resurgence with a 10-point, 10-rebound, 12-assist performance in the New York Knicks' 101-87 Christmas Day victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.
Walker became the first player in Knicks history and seventh NBA player overall to register a triple-double on Dec. 25. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green last accomplished the feat in 2017.
The first Christmas Day triple-double in Knicks history and a standing ovation for @KembaWalker! 👏 pic.twitter.com/mPDBIwhKXQ
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 25, 2021
A few hours after Walker's performance, fellow point guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook joined him in making some Christmas history, recording triple-doubles of their own.
Harden went off for 36 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds in the Brooklyn Nets' 122-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Westbrook went a laughable 4-for-20 from the floor, but added 12 rebounds and 11 assists in the losing cause.
Walker, meanwhile, had a Christmas to remember.
"It was amazing," Walker told reporters postgame, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "Those are moments you dream about, you know?
"It's kind of hard to put it into words, to be honest. It was special, just to be home, with that New York on my chest ... a New York City kid, born and raised. It felt amazing."
Walker's last triple-double came seven years ago against the Orlando Magic. The UConn product has now recorded three career triple-doubles.
Since returning to the Knicks' rotation, Walker is averaging 26 points, 8.3 boards, and seven assists per contest.