Last night the Oklahoma City Thunder crushed the Philadelphia 76ers in an easy 122-97 win. It was the Thunder's 41st win of the season, all but guaranteeing that the team will have a winning season, while continuing their push for better playoff positioning. Russell Westbrook once again had another Triple Double, but this time added a historical twist to it.
The perfect triple double
In 28 minutes of game action Russell Westbrook recorded his 35th triple double of the NBA season with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists. What made this triple double perfect was that fact that he shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor and 6-of-6 from the free throw line. This made Westbrook the first player in NBA history to record a triple double while being perfect shooting from the field and the free throw line. Ironically, this piece of history came in a strange game for him, since his six shot attempts tied a career low in games he has played 20-plus minutes in.
It was also the first time in the last 83 games that he did not attempt a 3-pointer.
Westbrook closing in on history
After this historic game, Russell Westbrook is now only six away triple doubles from tying legend Oscar Robertson with eleven games left in the NBA season. Even if he falls short of tying this feat, most projections have Westbrook as an almost guaranteed lock to have only the second season averaging a triple double, matching Robertson's accomplishment from the 1961-62 season. With Westbrook averaging 31.2 points, 10.4 assists and 10.5 rebounds a game, he is continuing on the pace that he has been on all season in his quest to break the NBA. All season, Westbrook has broken or matched achievements that only legends like Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor or Michael Jordan have accomplished.
On top of his historical season and all the records, he has also carried the team a winning season, with a little help. There is no question in my mind that he will be crowned MVP for what he has accomplished this season.