Westbrook Looking to Become 1st Since Jordan with 4 Straight Triple-Doubles
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook has a shot at history in Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, as he can become the first player since Michael Jordan in 1988-89 to record a triple-double in four consecutive games, per Elias Sports Bureau (via ESPN Stats & Info).
Westbrook's chance to match Jordan hinges on the 26-year-old point guard's ability to play. He missed Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers after suffering a fracture to the zygomatic arch bone in his right cheek toward the end of Friday's hard-fought 115-112 road loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Westbrook managed 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists during the nationally televised game in Portland, after recording 39 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists in another tough loss Thursday against the Phoenix Suns.
The first triple-double in the streak was somewhat less impressive, with Westbrook notching 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists over 28 minutes in last Tuesday's win over the Indiana Pacers.
The superstar point guard is seemingly on track to play in Wednesday's favorable matchup with the Sixers, but it's possible he'll be somewhat affected by the mask that he is expected to wear.
Philadelphia has surrendered an NBA-leading eight triple-doubles since the start of last season, while no other team has allowed more than five, per ESPN Stats & Info.
Of course, even if Westbrook falls short of Jordan's streak, he can take some pride in being the first player since LeBron James in March 2009 to record a triple-double in three straight games, per Basketball-Reference.com's play index.
