The Washington Wizards are this close to clinching a play-in tournament berth, and Russell Westbrook is doing everything in his power to propel the team forward.
The All-Star point guard notched 34 points, 15 assists, five rebounds and three steals in the Wizards' 120-116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday and, in the process, laid claim to yet another historic statistical mark:
On Wednesday, Russell Westbrook recorded 34 points and 15 assists. He became the 3rd player in NBA history with 3 straight games of 25 points and 15 assists, joining Tiny Archibald and Oscar Robertson. pic.twitter.com/ZJyxHc0PW6
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 13, 2021
This comes just three days after Westbrook passed Oscar Robertson to become the NBA's all-time triple-double leader by posting 28 points, 21 assists and 13 rebounds—his 182nd career triple-double—during Washington's 125-124 loss to the Hawks on Monday.
With Russell Westbrook passing Oscar Robertson as the NBA's all-time triple-double leader, we showcase Oscar averaging a triple-double of 30.8 PPG, 12.5 RPG and 11.4 APG in only his second NBA season.pic.twitter.com/e7SXyPM1gR
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 11, 2021
Russell Westbrook (28 PTS, 13 REB, 21 AST) passesd Oscar Robertson for the MOST TRIPLE-DOUBLES in NBA history!@russwest44 x @WashWizards pic.twitter.com/60hCVLKUtR
— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2021
The Big O, Magic, and more congratulate Russ!#WES182OOK | @russswest44 pic.twitter.com/eObUZ3Pmv2
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) May 11, 2021
Westbrook commented on the achievement afterward:
After becoming the all-time triple-doubles leader, @russwest44 spoke on his appreciation for the moment and for those who made it possible for him. pic.twitter.com/ClyiwlKxVS
— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2021
"I always stay true to who I am."
— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2021
The NBA's new triple-doubles leader @russwest44 spoke on his consistent approach to the game. pic.twitter.com/9iRlUBZk9y
Russell Westbrook shows appreciation towards the point guards who paved the way for him. pic.twitter.com/7EKwgVR9Dz
— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2021
The Houston Rockets traded the 2016-17 NBA MVP to D.C. in December. Westbrook had a short-lived reunion with James Harden in Houston for an unsuccessful 2019-20 campaign. Prior to that, the 32-year-old had played his entire career with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-19).
Westbrook is averaging 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds as well as a league-best 11.7 assists across 63 starts for 32-38 Washington this season.
Two games remain on the Wizards' regular-season schedule—hosting Cleveland on Friday, then Charlotte on Sunday—as they try to stave off the Chicago Bulls for the final Eastern Conference play-in spot.
The NBA play-in tournament begins next Tuesday (May 18).
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