Russell Westbrook Triple-Double Countdown

With Russell Westbrook on a triple-double terror of late he looks to check off one of the two remaining teams on his short list.

Undoubtedly it’s been a historic season for Russell Westbrook. As the OKC Thunder head into their final 6 games Westbrook will attempt to lift his squad to a higher playoff seed.

Westbrook has never quibbled over the fact wins are his priority. And, for as much as that’s where his focus should be, it’s fair to assume he’ll also be gunning to tie Oscar Robertson’s record. In the Big O’s triple-double season he amassed 41 such efforts while also averaging a trip-dub.  Entering this afternoon’s match Westbrook needs two more triple-doubles to tie Robertson.

Today’s opponent the Charlotte Hornets are one of the two teams remaining on Westbrook’s short list.  The other team is the Chicago Bulls, who the Thunder have already played twice this season. That is unfortunate, as traded players tend to get amped up to play former squads. If Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott remain with the Thunder into next season expect the Bulls to be taken off his short list.

Hornets no cake walk:

Arguably Charlotte is the greatest disappointment of 2016-17.  If you’ve caught any of the Hornets recent games, it’s easy to see why pundits (myself included) expected to see them in the post season. Charlotte have won 6 of their past 8 games with key victories over Washington, Atlanta and Toronto, In their last outing the Hornets beat Denver possibly delivering the knock out punch for their post season.

Since the Hornets haven’t been technically eliminated from the post season their recent efforts showcase their intent to get there.  Kemba Walker has been particularly hot and with Cody Zeller back from injury the Hornets have looked much better. While the Hornets seek to continue their current hot streak Westbrook has his own agenda. Russ will want to get his squad back in the win column and simultaneously remove Charlotte from his triple double short list. In the loss to Charlotte in January Westbrook registered 33 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists.

MUST READ: Westbrook the real MVP 

Players support Westbrook via social media:

Given Westbrook’s recent terror players, both current and former have been active on social media. While Harden has been hampered by  sore right wrist and three consecutive losses Westbrook current hot performances may be pushing him over the top in terms of the MVP race.

Jerami Grant’s brother Jerian:

Evan Fournier:

Damian Lillard:

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/847961587394785280

Rick Fox:

Mr. Big Shot – Chauncey Billups:

Shaquille O’Neal:

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/847459751709376512

Scottie Pippin:

Arguably the most impressive endorsement comes from Michael Jordan’s former teammate Scottie Pippen.

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/847835045968711681

Oscar Robertson:

Even the man Russell Westbrook is chasing is pulling for him. Oscar Robertson took

What Westbrook needs:

After picking up his 39th triple-double Friday against the Spurs, Westbrook’s season stats totals bode well for joining Oscar Robertson in the record books.

Through 75 games Westbrook has totals of 2,383 points, 796 rebounds and 781 assists. To average a triple-double on the season Westbrook must collect 820 in each category. This translates into 24 rebounds and 39 assists or averages of 3.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists. Moreover, for Westbrook to maintain his 30 points per game scoring average he’ll need to score another 77 points or average 11 points per game.

Triple-Double Hot Streak:

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In his last 11 games Westbrook has been on fire recording 9 triple-doubles. He’s spearheaded two come from behind victories, produced the highest scoring triple-double in history and has registered 5 in-a-row.

OKC play better at home, but they may be without the services of Taj Gibson who missed Friday’s match with an illness. Especially noteworthy is how much better the Thunder play offensively with Gibson in the starting lineup.

Still, with or without Gibson the Thunder will look to check off a victory, help Russ continue his consecutive triple-double performances and lower his overall rebound and assist requirements.