Russell Westbrook entered play on Wednesday needing 16 rebounds to average a triple-double for the season and become the first player to ever average a triple-double in more than one NBA season. He accomplished the feat early in Oklahoma City’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies at home.
Here’s video of the rebound that helped him make history:
Russell Westbrook grabs his 16th rebound, and now will average a triple double for the second straight year… WOW. pic.twitter.com/bZMmooMxHn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 12, 2018
Westbrook’s teammates were certainly an integral part of him reaching the milestone on Wednesday. They frequently orchestrated things so that Westbrook could grab the reounds, as you could see in that video. But the strategy paid off as having the ball in his hands early led to more assists for Westbrook and fast break points for the team.
And make no mistake, this game is a manipulation. Westbrook is going for it … and his teammates are OK with it.
As a basketball moralist, I suppose you can gripe. But can you when the Thunder also has 22 fast-break points, 14 off Westbrook assists?
Just asking honest q's.
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) April 12, 2018
Westbrook has faced some questions about whether he achieves his stats legitimately or steals rebounds from his teammates. The point guard issued a firm response to those critics.
