The triple-double gold standard is Oscar Robertson. The Big O averaged a triple-double one season in the NBA (1961-62). Last season — especially during Kevin Durant’s injury absence — OKC Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook went on a tear of triple-doubles that inspired comparisons to Robertson.
This season began with NBA talking heads saying that with Durant gone, Westbrook could actually repeat the Big O’s unmatched versatility and average a triple-double. Not many said that about Houston Rockets superstar James Harden, a scoring sensation who didn’t seem as likely to fill up the other two categories. But it’s turned out differently so far. Westbrook is not far off track, averaging 31.1 ppg with 9.5 assists and 8.3 rebounds. Harden is right there too: averaging 30.6 points, 13 assists and 7.8 rebounds. How different is this year? Last year Harden averaged a career-high 7.5 assists per game.
