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The big question on the minds of many is whether Russell Westbrook will average a triple-double while playing alongside LeBron James for the LA Lakers in the 2021-22 NBA season. One thing is for certain though: both superstars have agreed to put their ego aside in pursuit of a championship.
It will be a tad difficult for Westbrook to achieve another triple-double, seeing as he will be playing with James, who also needs the ball in his hands. Regardless, he has been sensational in the last five seasons, averaging triple-doubles in four of them.
Russell Westbrook currently holds the NBA record for the most career triple-doubles with 184. Surprisingly, he only registered eight triple-doubles in his first six seasons in the league. Over the past seven seasons, he has recorded an astonishing 176 triple-doubles.
Finishing a game with a triple-double has always been considered an impressive feat. However, finishing with 20+ assists certifies the status of the player as elite. Out of all of Westbrook's triple-doubles, he has recorded 20+ assists on six occasions.
That said, here is a review of Russell Westbrook's six triple-doubles with 20+ assists.
#1 24 points, 24 assists, and 11 rebounds vs. San Antonio Spurs, 2019
The Oklahoma City Thunder lost to the San Antonio Spurs after double overtime on January 10, 2019. Although the Thunder failed to win the game, Russell Westbrook recorded his second triple-double with 20+ assists.
It was Westbrook's last season with the Thunder, and the veteran point guard was determined to go out on a high note. At the end of the season, he recorded 34 triple-doubles, but recorded 20+ assists on only one occasion.
#2 14 points, 24 assists, and 21 rebounds vs. Indiana Pacers, 2021
With the season coming to an end, Russell Westbrook was determined to help the Washington Wizards reach the playoffs by any means necessary. In the game against the Indiana Pacers on May 3, 2021, he focused more on making plays and cleaning the boards.
It was a record-breaking night for Westbrook, as he became the first player in NBA history with multiple 20-assist, 20-rebound games. He registered only eight field goal attempts, managing 14 points, 24 assists and 21 rebounds.
#3 26 points, 22 assists, and 11 rebounds vs. Phoenix Suns, 2016
Russell Westbrook recorded his first-ever triple-double with 20+ assists on December 17, 2016, in a game against the Phoenix Suns. That night, he registered 22 assists, the same as every other player that featured in that matchup combined.
Although it was the only 20+ assist game Russell Westbrook managed that season, it was the start of something greater. His terrific run during the season earned him his first-ever MVP award. Westbrook also led the league in scoring with 28.6 points per game.
#4 20 points, 21 assists, and 20 rebounds vs. LA Lakers, 2019
Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder gave the LA Lakers a proper lashing on April 2, 2019. It was an extremely fulfilling fixture for Russell Westbrook, who registered his first-ever 20-20-20 triple-double.
It was a dramatic affair, as Westbrook grabbed his 20th rebound with only 40 seconds to play in the game. So far, this is the first and only time he has finished a game with a 20-20-20 statline.
Wilt Chamberlain was the first player to register a 20-20-20 in the NBA. Russell Westbrook's heroics meant he joined Chamberlain on the exclusive list. At the sound of the final whistle, the American had 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 21 assists in what was an unbelievable performance.
#5 35 points, 21 assists, and 14 rebounds vs. Indiana Pacers, 2021
Russell Westbrook has apparently had an easy time registering 20+ assists against the Pacers, as he did so twice in the same season. In a 132-124 victory on March 29, 2021, Mr. Triple-double led the charge with 35 points, 21 assists, and 14 rebounds.
Domantas Sabonis of the Indiana Pacers matched his scoring ability, as he also registered 35 points. However, Westbrook had the edge as he also dropped dimes and cleaned the defensive board, leading his side to an important victory.
#6 28 points, 21 assists, and 13 rebounds vs Atlanta Hawks, 2021
Russell Westbrook had three triple-doubles with 20+ assists in the 2021 season alone. The last of them came in a narrow 125-124 loss against the Atlanta Hawks on May 10, 2021.
Given how triple-doubles with 20+ assists came at a faster rate in the 2020-21 NBA season, Westbrook should expect to extend his record in that regard with the Lakers. The franchise has surrounded Lebron James and Anthony Davis with elite shooters that can convert on open looks. If Westbrook successfully finds them when they are open, he could reach 20 assists in a game on multiple occasions once again.
