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LOS ANGELES – Russell Westbrook has tied LeBron James’ number of career regular season triple doubles, after recording yet another against the Detroit Pistons, despite playing 395 fewer games than James so far.
Westbrook and James now both have 44 triple-doubles, which puts them in a tie for No. 6 all-time. The players ahead of them: Larry Bird (59), Wilt Chamberlain (78), Jason Kidd (107), Magic Johnson (138), and Oscar Robertson (181).
What’s notable about Westbrook tying James is he has done it in five fewer seasons. So far this season, Westbrook is recording triple-doubles at a frantic pace – he has seven so far in just 18 games, scoring 30 or more points in his first six instances. Only the names above and Michael Jordan have more than six 30-point triple doubles in their entire careers.
With Kevin Durant gone to Golden State, Westbrook has free reign over the Thunder offense. He’s averaging nearly 24 shot attempts with a career-high 41.2 percent usage rating, leading to plenty of scoring and assist opportunities.
But don’t let that undersell Westbrook’s historically great rebounding as a guard. On Nov. 20, when Westbrook recorded his fifth triple-double, he didn’t grab a rebound until there was 6:18 left in the third quarter and ended up with 10 anyway.
James could pass Westbrook again, but Westbrook should have a commanding lead by the end of the year. However, Westbrook’s postseason triple-doubles are lagging behind, where James’ 16 lead Westbrook’s five. (AP)
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