NBA

Russell Westbrook becomes the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double in three consecutive seasons

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Another day, another piece of history for Russell Westbrook. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard is now the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double in three consecutive seasons.

He needed just three assists entering today's game against the Detroit Pistons to reach the milestone, hitting the mark midway through the first quarter.


 

Paul George completed the play, burying the jumper from the wing with 10:54 remaining in the first quarter to give Westbrook 730 dimes for the season, ensuring he can't finish with less than 10 assists per game this season.

In 2016/17 Westbrook was named the league's Most Valuable Player, becoming the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season since Oscar Robertson in 1962. Then he did it again in 2017/18......and again this season. 

Westbrook has 31 triple-doubles on the season, none more impressive than his 20-20-21 performance against the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week. Westbrook joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only two players to ever produce a 20-20-20 game, with Wilt recording 22 points, 25 rebounds and 21 assists, while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968. 

Westbrook entered today's game, averaging 23 points, 11.1 rebounds and 10.5 assists per game.

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Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.