OKC’s Westbrook closing in on Big O.
NEW YORK (AFP) – Russell Westbrook insists he is not interested in chasing history after a quickfire eighth triple-double of the season left him on track to equal Oscar Robertson’s long-standing NBA record.
Westbrook was in scintillating form once more to help the Oklahoma City Thunder overpower the New York Knicks 112-103 at Madison Square Garden, bagging his third consecutive triple-double – the 45th of his career.
Westbrook needed just 20 minutes on court to complete his latest masterclass, part of a haul that leaves him averaging triple-double numbers for the season.
The 28-year-old finished with 27 points, 18 rebounds and 14 assists.
Westbrook is now averaging 30.9 points per game, 11.3 assists and 10.4 rebounds for the season.
Only one player in NBA history – Robertson in 1961-62 – has ever gone an entire season averaging triple-double numbers.
Westbrook is on pace to equal Robertson’s record, albeit with only 19 games of the season gone. Westbrook’s display Monday helped the Thunder improve to 11-8 as the Knicks fell to 8-9.
However Westbrook is adamant that matching Robertson’s record is not on his agenda.
“Winning is sustainable,’’ Westbrook said. “My job is to go out and find the best way to win games. Right now, we won three straight and that is what’s most important to me.
“I don’t really care, honestly. I like to win and compete at a high level. I do the same thing every year.’’
