Russell Westbrook Makes History with 42 Triple-Doubles in a Single Season

Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook has officially etched his name in the NBA record books, two times over.

After two failed attempts, coming up one assist short on Friday, Westbrook achieved a major accomplishment that had only been done one other time, almost 60 years ago. The superstar point-guard posted his 42nd triple-double of the 2016-17 season, passing Oscar Robertson’s single-season record of 41. Not to mention, he also sank the 36-foot buzzer beater to win the game over the Denver Nuggets. Westbrook finished his historical game with 50 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists, securing his third 50-point triple double, the most in NBA history.

Last week, it was announced that Westbrook successfully averaged a triple-double this season, joining Oscar Robertson as two of the only ballers to accomplish the feat, ever.

“You could never say in a million years that I would ever think that was even possible,” Westbrook revealed Friday after securing his triple-double average for the season. “For me to do it, it’s a blessing that I’m honored to be able to do in this game today at the highest level. It’s a true blessing. I’m very thankful to be able to do it.”

On Sunday, after accomplishing triple-double number 42, he expressed his gratitude to those who helped him along the way, thanking his family, friends, and fans for believing in his talent.

“Very, very blessed. I’ve got to give all the thanks from the man above, he said. “He’s blessed me with unbelievable talent to go out and compete at a high level. I’m just thankful for my teammates, for my coaching staff, for the organization, for all the fans, for my family for believing in me and allowing me to do what I’m doing.”

Westbrook’s historic game also moved him passed Wilt Chamberlain for fourth place in career triple-doubles with 79. However, his 42^nd triple-double came while his team was down 10, with no time to celebrate, Westbrook was eager to get his team back into the game. With 3 minutes left, Westbrook left it all on the court, scoring the team’s last 15 points and a buzzer beater from beyond the arc to win the game.

“It was pure adrenaline, emotions running high, game-winning shot,” he said. “It’s something you dream about as a little kid to be able to do that on the road, especially from that distance. It’s something you’ll definitely never forget.”

Does Westbrook’s accomplishments make him the top MVP candidate? #WHYNOT