Russell Westbrook joins Robertson as second player to average seasonal triple-double

Russell Westbrook collected his sixth assist at 10:36  of the third quarter ensuring his triple-double average for the 2016-17 season.

All eyes were on Russell Westbrook at season start. How would Russ respond to the departure (or defection, if you will) by Kevin Durant. Analysts and scribes predicted massive stat lines, a possible playoff position and a late season worn out Westbrook. Let’s be honest, few expected the Thunder to be entering the final 4 games still with an opportunity to capture a home court seed.

Yes, everyone expected Westbrook to unleash an assault on the Association unlike anything previously witnessed. Most assumed Westbrook would produce obese stat lines.  Yet for the most part none truly believed Russell Westbrook would reach the apex. Rather, it was anticipated his non-stop motor and take no prisoners attack would wane as the season wore on.

But, this is Russell Westbrook, he of the motto ‘Why Not’.  A player who defies logic seemingly improving whenever critics cited  a ceiling. All season whenever it appeared he might dip below a double digit rebound or assist  effort he would subsequently produce a massive 22 assist or 17 rebound game.

The Holy Trinity:

Of the individual NBA records in the history books there is the holy trinity of untouchables. Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 point game, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387 all-time points total and Oscar Robertson’s1961-62 season where he averaged a triple-double registering 41 individual performances.

Robertson stood alone a top a 55 year old mountain. The ‘Big O’ was the first and last NBA player to average a triple-double over an entire season.  Until now.

“Westbrook Time”

Tonight as the game in Arizona began Westbrook was pressing as were his teammates. Clearly the gravitas of the situation was weighing heavily upon the entire OKC roster.

The upstart Suns recognized the opening and capitalized taking a double digit lead of 19 points by mid-way through the second quarter. Russell Westbrook was stalled at 2 assists and the team as a whole were shooting 13-34 for 39% from the field. By the half he had 6 points (on 2 of 13 from the field), 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Worse the Thunder were trailing 48-71.

The thing is, if you’ve watched Russ all season, deep in your gut there was the knowledge eventually he would recognize the game and winning was the priority. For lack of a better term let’s call it “Westbrook Time”.  A moment when something snaps in his brain and he simply takes over.

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That moment came at the start of the of the second half.  Perhaps the 23 point deficit worked to the Thunder’s and Westbrook’s favor as it was simply time to play. And play he did. Within the first few minutes of play Westbrook dished three assists to garner his 6th assist and claim his place alongside Robertson.

Although Russ will be focused on winning this game, it’s appropriate we take a time out to celebrate this massive accomplishment.  As of this posting he has 16 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Before the night is over will we also be celebrating his 42nd triple-double?

Odds are the massive hole the Thunder dug will be too deep to climb out of. Yet, Russ will have three additional opportunities to tick off the final personal item left on his short list. That could come tonight, Sunday in Denver, Tuesday in Minnesota or he could wax poetic and save it for the final game of the season at the Peake versus the Nuggets. For OKC Thunder and Brodie fans we’re well aware breaking the Big O’s record of 41 individual triple-doubles won’t be nearly as satisfying for him without the accompanying win.

For now, let’s revel in his massive accomplishment. From everyone at Thunderous Intentions – Congratulations Russell Westbrook on your incredible accomplishment!