Russell Westbrook's 2016-2017 season remains unforgettable for basketball fans. He racked up 42 triple-doubles, an all-time high in a single NBA season. This achievement didn't just put him ahead of the competition; it shattered a record held for over five decades by Oscar Robertson, who had 41 triple-doubles back in the 1961-1962 season.
Anyone familiar with basketball knows that recording a triple-double is no small feat. It requires a player to accumulate double-digit numbers in three statistical categories: points, rebounds, and assists. During that exhilarating season, Westbrook not only led the NBA in scoring, averaging 31.6 points per game, but he also grabbed 10.7 rebounds and dished out 10.4 assists on average. For perspective, those numbers are astounding, especially considering that such consistent high performance was maintained over an 82-game season.
Looking at LeBron James, consistently one of the league's top performers, his best season for triple-doubles came in 2017-2018 when he notched up 18 of them. Even though that number pales in comparison to Westbrook's 42, James' versatility and skill set remain unmatched. LeBron has always been more than just a scorer, evident by his career averages of 27.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, making him one of the most well-rounded players ever.
James Harden, another triple-double machine, had 22 triple-doubles during the 2016-2017 season. That was the same season Westbrook broke the record, making it a year for the books. Harden's knack for filling up the stat sheet comes from his unique playing style and Houston's high-octane offense. Harden averaged 29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 11.2 assists that season, a testament to how much he was involved in every facet of the game.
Magic Johnson, whose career spanned from 1979 to 1991 before a brief comeback in 1996, was a triple-double artist long before it became a buzzword. In the 1981-1982 season, he reached 18 triple-doubles. Despite playing in an era with a slower pace and fewer possessions, his court vision and ability to read defenses were unmatched. Together with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he helped the Lakers clinch the NBA title that year.
What makes these athletes' achievements even more impressive is the difference in playing styles and eras. Today's NBA is dominated by fast-paced play and three-point shooting, while the earlier NBA revolved around post play and mid-range jumpers. Yet, remarkable players like Wilt Chamberlain, who once had 31 triple-doubles in the 1967-1968 season, dominated in both scoring and rebounding. Chamberlain uniquely averaged over 50 points and 25 rebounds per game for an entire season, numbers unfathomable in today's game.
There's also Luka Dončić, the young Slovenian sensation making waves in the league. In the 2019-2020 season, he tallied 17 triple-doubles. For a player so young, his court awareness, scoring ability, and rebounding at the guard position are incredible. Dončić is often compared to legends like Larry Bird and LeBron James, which is high praise for a player only a few years into his NBA career.
Oscar Robertson deserves another mention, as his 1961-1962 season is often cited for its sheer brilliance. The Big O averaged a triple-double for an entire season, with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. While Westbrook broke his single-season record, Robertson's overall impact on the game can't be overstated. He played in an era devoid of today's advanced training and nutrition programs, making his numbers even more extraordinary.
Beyond individual stats, these triple-double feats often translate into success for their teams. Westbrook's Thunder made the playoffs in 2016-2017, even with a roster that many considered subpar. Similarly, Harden's Rockets were a formidable playoff team, thanks largely to his playmaking. Teams build around such players, understanding their unique ability to influence multiple aspects of the game.
From a strategic viewpoint, coaches relish having such versatile players. They can adapt game plans to leverage these stars, knowing they can trust them in crucial moments. A player who can facilitate, rebound, and score efficiently takes immense pressure off teammates, allowing them to specialize in their roles.
As I reflect on the athletes who've excelled in this domain, I can't help but express my admiration for their enduring dedication and skill. For fans, these performances are a testament to the hours of hard work and practice these players put in behind the scenes. The joy and excitement they bring to the court make every game a spectacle worth watching.
If you're as intrigued by these incredible feats as I am, you might find more interesting arena plus insights and discussions worth exploring. These stories give us a deeper appreciation of the game and the legendary figures who've transformed it.