PORTLAND, Ore. -- The season is just a quarter of the way through, yet Russell Westbrook already has achieved something no other NBA player has pulled off since the 1988-89 season. Recording seven straight triple-doubles, Westbrook tied Michael Jordan for the second-longest streak in NBA history, falling two shy of Wilt Chamberlain's record of nine consecutive triple-doubles.
Westbrook has 12 triple-doubles in 24 games and is averaging a triple-double (31.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game). If Westbrook is able to maintain these numbers, he will reach another historic milestone by becoming the first player to average a triple-double since Oscar Robertson did so in the 1961-62 season.
While Westbrook's streak and triple-double average is extremely rare and difficult to do, he couldn't care less about his individual numbers or accolades like winning the MVP Award. He is more focused on winning, which is why he basically has a standard answer for any and all questions about his triple-doubles.
"I like to win. That's the most important part for me," Westbrook said at the Thunder's shootaround in Portland on Tuesday. "I get asked that question every single night and my answer is always the same because that's a truthful answer. I like to win, that's the most important part."
The Thunder went 6-1 during Westbrook's triple-double streak, even winning a hard-fought game against the Celtics on Sunday, when he didn't record a triple-double. Oklahoma City (15-9) is sixth in the West playoff race.
Despite Westbrook's semi-cliche and formulaic response regarding his streak, the All-Star is well aware of his place in history and has great pride to be mentioned in the same breath as Jordan, Chamberlain and Robertson.
"Whenever you have the opportunity to be mentioned with those guys, [Oscar Robertson], Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, those guys it's a blessing." Westbrook said. "It's something I never take for granted. But at the same time, I always like to live in the moment and find ways to help others. And I think that's what made those players so great -- Magic, M.J., Oscar. They did it by winning some championships and also helping the guys around him. And that's what I want to do."
Westbrook is definitely helping teammates, as the Thunder's numbers are vastly better when he's on the court. But winning a championship may be out of reach for the Thunder this season. Yet that shouldn't change Westbrook's mindset of winning by any means necessary. Westbrook is having an incredible individual season, but it still hasn't shifted his focus on the ultimate goal of winning a title.
"My goal is not to worry about numbers." Westbrook said. "Like I said before, my goal is to find a way to get a championship and help the guys around me become better players."
