SUMMARY
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LOS ANGELES, USA – Russell Westbrook inspired the Oklahoma City Thunder to a crucial victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, April 5 (Thursday Manila time) but was left just one rebound short of making NBA history.
The 28-year-old Thunder star poured on 45 points in a scintillating display at Memphis’s Fedex Forum as Oklahoma City clinched a nail-biting 103-100 win to improve to 45-44.
But Westbrook, who on Monday equaled Oscar Robertson’s 1962 single-season record of 41 triple-doubles, was left just one rebound short of breaking the 55-year-old mark.
Westbrook finished the night with 45 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds.
A triple-double is the achievement of double-digit totals in 3 of the 5 key statistical categories – points, assists, rebounds, blocks and steals – and is regarded as a barometer of all-round versatility.
Westbrook’s pursuit of Robertson’s mark has captivated fans around the NBA this season, and catapulted him to the forefront of the race for MVP honors.
Westbrook now has 4 more games to achieve the mark, with the Thunder due to face Phoenix on Friday in their next game.
Westbrook – who had been on a run of seven straight triple-doubles – meanwhile was left satisfied with a win which tightens the Thunder’s grip on sixth position in the Western Conference playoff rankings. Memphis (42-37) are in seventh.
“I just came out trying to get a win for us, man, it was a big game for us,” Westbrook told an on-court television interviewer.
“We’re fighting for a playoff position so it’s a good win for us. I think we did a good job of sticking together.” – Rappler.com
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