Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Westbrook records more statistical history in loss to Hawks

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 5/13/21

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."

The NBA's new triple-doubles leader @russwest44 spoke on his consistent approach to the game. pic.twitter.com/9iRlUBZk9y
— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2021

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).

Megan Armstrong (@megankarmstrong) is a writer with previous work appearing in places such as Billboard, Bleacher Report, GQ and others. She's most interested in writing about people and how they live their lives, through the framework of music, entertainment and sports.

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