Westbrook Records 41st Triple-Double

History was made on Tuesday night in Oklahoma City, as Russell Westbrook recorded his 41st triple-double of the season. The tenth and deciding assist was tallied at the 9:05 mark of the third quarter, with the Thunder leading the Milwaukee Bucks by a score of 69-42.

The crowd inside Chesapeake Energy Arena was well-aware of what had just occurred, with a massive ovation following the moment:

The effort is historic for a number of reasons, but two are most noteworthy:

1. Number 41 puts Westbrook in a tie with Oscar Robertson at the top of the single-season triple-doubles list. With five games to play, and in the midst of what is now a seven-game triple-double streak, we’re on the cusp of watching Russ break a record that has stood since the 1961-62 season.
2. The triple-double is the 78th of Westbrook’s career, tying Wilt Chamberlain for fourth most all-time. He’s caught Wilt in 381 fewer games played, with an astounding 59 of the triple-doubles coming over the last two seasons alone.

With Oklahoma City up 30 points entering the fourth quarter, Westbrook finishes with 12 points, 13 assists and 13 rebounds in just 27 minutes. His first opportunity to move past Robertson and Chamberlain comes on Wednesday night in Memphis, with the Thunder traveling to take on the Grizzlies. The game tips at 7 p.m. CT and will be televised on Fox Sports Oklahoma. Plenty more on all of this to come.