Russell Westbrook might be the first player in more than 50 years to average a triple-double for an entire season, and no one can stop talking about. We’re guilty of it, too. As far as we know, only one person is tired of hearing about Westbrook’s triple-double feats — Westbrook himself.
Russell Westbrook is tired of hearing about his triple-doubles
Westbrook might be tired of hearing about it, but the Thunder need him to record them for them to win.
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
“Honestly, this triple-double thing is kind of getting on my nerves,” Westbrook told reporters after Wednesday’s loss. “People think that when I don’t get it, it’s a big thing; when I do get it, it’s a big thing. If y’all just let me play, if I get it, I get it, if I don’t, I don’t (and) it is what it is. I really don’t care for the hundredth time.”
On one hand, it’s easy to understand Westbrook’s frustration. Sports interviews are repetitive, and Westbrook really must have been asked about triple-doubles at least 100 times already this year.
But Westbrook can’t deny that his triple-doubles are directly tied to the team’s success — both in his career, and especially this year.
This season, the Thunder are 9-3 when Westbrook records at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. During his seven-game triple-double streak, they won six of them — and they’ve now lost back-to-back games where Westbrook didn’t record the triple-double.
Of course it’s not the triple-doubles themselves that magically allow the Thunder to thrive, but Westbrook recording a triple-double is the formula Oklahoma City needs to win games this season. Their team entirely revolves around him, and when he’s at his best is when the Thunder have the best chance at victory.
The points, the rebounds and the assists all work together to make Westbrook play as the best version of himself. So sure, the Thunder will probably win a game where Russ scores 45 points with 10 assists but only nine rebounds — but for the Thunder to play their best basketball, Westbrook’s production is more often than not at triple-double levels.
It’s noble that Westbrook doesn’t care about his personal stats, and only wants to see his team win. (Although do you really believe Westbrook doesn’t know exactly when he’s just a rebound or an assist away?) But it’s worth noting that one of those things is heavily reliant on the other.
See More:
