Russell Westbrook Top 10 list from historic triple-double season

Number 1: Sets All-Time single-season record with 42 triple-doubles surpassing Oscar Robertson

The game where Russell Westbrook broke Robertson’s 55-year record arguably represents his year most adequately. The final assist proved to be the most difficult to obtain as Westbrook’s teammates kept missing on wide-open shots. In the end, it was the unlikeliest player (Semaj Christon) who connected on a 3-point shot to capture Westbrook’s 10th assist at 4:15 of the fourth quarter.

Still, it was what Westbrook did immediately following the record-setting moment which resonated. Witnessing the moment, I’m sure I wasn’t alone in my belief he would spearhead the comeback and hit the clutch shot to win the game.

That’s the thing about Russell Westbrook – he makes the impossible seem simplistic. So, as the Nuggets clung to their 10-point lead, Russ went on a 13-2 run in the final 2:30 of the game. Then he punctuated it with the dagger 35 foot 3-point game-winner.  Looking back on his magical season this 4:15 segment more than any other of his myriad of achievements is the perfect reflection of what he accomplished.

An Incredible Season:

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

The crazy part is Russell Westbrook came close to shattering the existing record on 13 other occasions.  Seven times he has missed out on triple-double by 1 rebound  (2 times) or 1 assist (5 times). He missed out on another six opportunities by 2 rebounds (3 times) or 2 assists (3 times).

What is important to remember about Brodie’s season is no one thought the Thunder would be relevant. They weren’t expected to make the playoffs or even compete.  Heck, Westbrook himself was expected to bolt at the first opportunity. Instead, he demonstrated his loyalty and true colors by re-upping with the Thunder.

Closing:

I’ve long compared Durant and Westbrook to Mad Magazine’s Spy vs Spy series. Durant was the darling golden child who could do no wrong and seemingly was never questioned for his role in any OKC stumbles.

Ironically the man who started these super teams (LeBron James) is currently learning precisely what it feels like to be Russell Westbrook. Facing KD’s Warriors James has to post a triple-double for the Cavaliers to stay in range. And, as soon as he leaves the court leads quickly evaporate. it will be interesting to get LeBron’s take on the situation post series. Odds are the best player in the game will have gained a whole new respect for Westbrook, simply because of these finals.

This may well end up being the season where the first sweep of an entire postseason occurred, but make no mistake it will go down in history as the year Russell Westbrook dominated the NBA.