The current holder of the NBA single-season record for triple-doubles wants to see it broken.
Oscar Robertson, whose mark of 41 triple-doubles in the 1961-62 season is still the record, is rooting for Russell Westbrook to surpass him.
Robertson told ESPN’s Andy Katz at the Final Four that he’s “rooting for” Westbrook and that “I hope he does it.” Westbrook needs four triple-doubles in Oklahoma City’s final eight games to break the record.
“I always thought he was a great basketball player,” Robertson said of Westbrook. “I was talking to some basketball people the other night, and I said, ‘I don’t think any of these guards can beat him on a one-on-one game.’ I think he’s been tremendous for the team, his fans and also for television.”
Not surprisingly, Robertson is also backing Westbrook for the MVP award.
“I think it’s Westbrook. That’s what I really think,” Robertson said. “Because years ago it was tough to win an MVP because it was based on winning championships — and Russell with the Celtics. They dominated. But one year, Wilt averaged 50 points a game and 29 rebounds and me a triple-double, but Bill won because his team advanced and we did not.
“It’s changed now. A lot of people understand what an MVP means. They understand basketball better than they did years ago.”
The MVP award is going to prove controversial — just have a look at the battles that are heating up — but records were made to be broken, and Robertson seems to be good with that.
