Westbrook sets NBA mark for points, closes in on Oscar Robertson’s record
Russell Westbrook recorded his 38th triple-double of the season, moving the Oklahoma City Thunder guard just three shy of Oscar Robertson’s record 41 in the 1961-62 season.
Westbrook’s latest triple-double is one of his most impressive.
He had 13 rebounds and 11 assists, but scored 57 points in Oklahoma City’s 114-106 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.
The 57 points scored is the most ever in a triple-double in NBA history.
Westbrook was 21 of 40 from the floor, including six of 15 from behind the three-point line.
The previous record for points scored in a triple-double was 53, set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1968 and then tied by James Harden earlier this season.
Westbrook, who had a 51-point triple-double last year, also joins Harden, Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor as the only players with multiple 50-point triple-doubles.
The Thunder (43-31) have won eight of their last 10, but needed Westbrook’s heroics Wednesday to force overtime.
Westbrook scored 19 points in the fourth quarter after the Thunder trailed 82-72 through three periods.
The MVP candidate drained a three-pointer with seven seconds remaining to tie the Magic (27-48) at 102-102.
Russell Westbrook sends it to overtime on @NBATV! pic.twitter.com/fEKbRe04Vt
— NBA (@NBA) March 30, 2017
He then had six points, three rebounds and a pair of assists in overtime to lead the Thunder to a victory at Amway Center.