Russell Westbrook is in a class all by himself.
The Washington Wizards star notched his 182nd career triple-double in Monday’s 125-124 loss to the Atlanta Hawks — surpassing Oscar Robertson for the all-time record. Westbrook, 32, hit the milestone with 8:33 left in the fourth quarter — grabbing a defensive rebound after a miss from Danilo Gallinari.
The rebound that gave Russell Westbrook his record-breaking 182nd triple-double 🙌 pic.twitter.com/8GOr9vOZSx
— ESPN (@espn) May 11, 2021
The 32-year-old’s performance was almost capped with a storybook ending, but Westbrook missed the potential game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds. Still, Westbrook had another remarkable game in a remarkable season: Westbrook had 28 points, 13 rebounds and 21 assists in Atlanta. The nine-time All-Star is averaging 22 points, 11.6 rebounds and 11.5 assists per game this year — his fourth triple-double average in five seasons.
Robertson congratulated Westbrook in a video released by the Wizards.
The Big O, Magic, and more congratulate Russ!#WES182OOK | @russswest44 pic.twitter.com/eObUZ3Pmv2
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) May 11, 2021
“I’m very happy for you,” said Robertson, the Hall of Fame guard who retired in 1974. “Your family is very proud of you. I salute you for all your accomplishments in the game of basketball.”
Robertson told the New York Times this month that he hoped Westbrook would break the record.
Westbrook’s play has been a major factor in the Wizards’ turnaround this season as they look to secure the 10th and final spot in the NBA’s play-in tournament.
Westbrook got his 8,000th career assist in early in the first quarter. He has 33 straight double-doubles dating back to March 1. He has 56 double-doubles overall.
Washington acquired the former MVP in December when it traded John Wall and a protected first-round pick to the Houston Rockets.
Trae Young scored 36 points and John Collins added 28 for the Hawks, who moved within a half-game of the fourth-place New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference.
The Wizards led 62-60 at halftime. Washington dropped to 25-5 when leading at intermission.
The teams play again on Wednesday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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