Mixed emotions about Russell Westbrook’s historic triple-double accomplishment

Former OKC Thunder franchise pillar Russell Westbrook moves to second all-time in career triple-doubles.

The OKC Thunder franchise pillar through 11 seasons became known as much for his MVP season of triple-doubles as he was for those jaw-dropping dunks. This week, the Brodie added another career milestone moving to second all-time for career triple-double. Although thrilled for him, I’m feeling a tad salty the fanbase who balked at his MVP season is the team who’ll be associated with this accomplishment.

On 138 occasions OKC Thunder fans witnessed Russell Westbrook register a triple-double. We were there when he averaged a triple-double over an entire season to match Oscar Robertson as the only NBA player to ever do so, and then do it in three successive seasons.

Likewise, Thunder Nation observed Westbrook deliver a triple-double against all 29 opponents in the NBA. We saw him vault up the historic ladder ticking off achievements as he surpassed other previous markers like his 10 consecutive triple-double performances last season knocking off Wilt Chamberlain‘s previous marker of nine.

But, on this historic evening, as Westbrook moved past Magic Johnson for second place on the all-time career triple-double list, the team name that will be written beside Westbrook’s accomplishment is the Houston Rockets. Although, Thunder fans are thrilled for Westbrook that fact is a bit of salt in the wound as we’re still trying to get used to him being in Houston.

After all, the fans in Oklahoma City have defended the point guard and his critics who constantly lamented he was simply stat padding (many were Rockets fans). For me, this was one of the easier debates since the reality is if it was that simple to do then why aren’t others doing it? Especially a player of LeBron James ilk who naturally is among the leaders in assists and rebounds.

Or the naysayers who pointed specifically at his rebounds stating Steven Adams was moving out of the way for him to get all those rebounds. While there may be occasions that was true, on a whole it’s not. Evidence of that exists in clutch time moments when Westbrook dives into the trees and is the player coming out with the ball.

Or, ask the Rockets how they feel about his added rebounds. Clint Capela isn’t being grossly affected (8.2 vs 8.0 defensive boards) and while it’s still an extremely small sample size through two games the Rockets’ efforts on the glass are up.

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To wit, last season the Rockets averaged 31.9 defensive boards and 42.1 total rebounds. Through two games those numbers have ballooned to 41.5 defensive boards and 51.0 total rebounds. Coincidentally, Westbrook is averaging 13.0 boards.

Saturday night Westbrook was the catalyst who propelled the Rockets to victory while Harden (who in fairness is still adapting to not constantly having the ball in his hand) struggled from the field for the second consecutive game.

Westbrook’s historic 139th triple-double consisted of 28 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. Appropriately, the only player Westbrook has left to catch is Robertson who remains at the top of the list with 181 career triple-doubles.

Coincidentally, Westbrook will need 42 additional triple-doubles to tie for first place, the same number he collected the season he surpassed Robertson for total trip-dubs in a season.

OKC Thunder fans will celebrate this incredible Russell Westbrook accomplishment and some of us (raises hand) will bristle a bit over the fact it happened with him wearing Rockets’ red.

After all, this is the same franchise and fanbase who mercilessly mocked Westbrook in his MVP season stating he didn’t deserve the hardware over Harden.

Moving forward, there is one thing the OKC Thunder can hang there hat on — they are the ONLY team Westbrook hasn’t scored a triple-double on. Granted that could change as early as this coming week when the Thunder will travel to Houston to play their former franchise star for the first time since his trade to Houston.

In truth, the fanbase will be delighted if Westbrook scores a triple-double — we just don’t want Houston to win the game.

Congratulations Russell Westbrook, Thunder Nation and the staff at Thunderous Intentions applauds your historic accomplishment!