Russell Westbrook posts 200th career triple-double in win over Grizzlies

On By Littum

Russell Westbrook extends his career triple-double record to 19 over No. 2 Oscar Robertson.

MEMPHIS (AP) – Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook posted the 200th triple-double of his career Tuesday night in a win over Memphis.

The NBA triple-double record holder reached the milestone late in a 122-110 victory.

The 36-year-old Westbrook finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assistsand it took him until the last minutes to achieve the feat.

With 1:28 left, Westbrook was one rebound away from a triple-double when center Dario Saric missed a 3-pointer. Westbrook grabbed his only offensive rebound of the game. With the Grizzlies still threatening, Saric knocked down a 3-pointer with 27.7 seconds left to preserve the Denver win.

Westbrook said he didn’t thank Saric for the miss that led to the triple-double.

“I credit him for making the next one to close out the game, which is the most important thing,” he said.

Westbrook is 19 triple-doubles ahead of Hall of Famer Oscar Robertsonand 62 ahead of Magic Johnson. His teammate – Nikola Jokic – is fourth with 136, followed by LeBron James at 117.

Career triple-doubles

1. Russell Westbrook, 200
2. Oscar Robertson, 181
3. Magic Johnson, 138
4. Nikola Jokic, 136
5. LeBron James, 117

“It’s a blessing,” Westbrook said of reaching the milestone. “I’m really thankful to be able to play the game (well enough) to do that. But I’m also thankful for those who came before me.”

Westbrook’s teammates marveled at the performance, not just the number of triple-doubles, but his longevity and ability to accomplish such a feat.

Julian Strawther, the sophomore guard from Gonzaga, said Westbrook is a celebrity everywhere they go.

“It’s hard to put into words” Strawther said. “Two hundred triple-doubles is a lot. I don’t even know if I’ve had 200 career games.”

For Westbrook, the feat capped off an ideal night.

“Every time we win and I get them, I’m always thankful for that,” Westbrook said. “It’s my favorite time.”