Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook's names have been linked a lot lately as Westbrook continues to pile up double digits in the stat sheets. Westbrook has accumulated nine triple-doubles this season and seven of those came within a jaw-dropping 12-game stretch. Robertson, of course, knows a thing or two about triple-doubles. In 1961-62, the Big O averaged 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists to become the first and only player to put up a triple-double season.
In the ESPN The Magazine set to hit stands April 13, Robertson was asked about Westbrook's triple-double rampage and said the OKC star has "upped his game."
As much as Westbrook has "upped" his game, it's hard to wrap our heads around doing this for an entire season, which Robertson famously did. It's safe to say Westbrook's 2014-15 season couldn't hold a candle to Robertson's monstrous 1961-62, right?
Not so fast. Because of defensive climate, league pace and playing time, Westbrook's season is just as impressive as Robertson's historic season in 1961-62. As always, context is everything.
A different league