W’brook matches Big O’s TD mark

OKLAHOMA CITY , Philippines  – For just a few moments, Russell Westbrook slowed down.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s mile-a-minute point guard took the time to soak in the atmosphere Tuesday night after he matched Oscar Robertson’s single-season record with his 41st triple-double. The home crowd stood and chanted “MVP! MVP!” long after the assist, and he later waved to the crowd after the play stopped.

“It’s one of those nights, a special night, and something I definitely will never forget,” he said. “I’m just truly honored to do it here, especially in Oklahoma City.”

Westbrook finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists to help the Thunder beat the Milwaukee Bucks 110-79. He clinched his seventh straight triple-double on an assist to Taj Gibson with 9:17 left in the third quarter.

“An honor to just be mentioned in a conversation with Oscar Robertson, the different things he did for the game of basketball to allow me to play the game today,” Westbrook said.

Robertson set the record during the 1961-62 season, and Westbrook can break it Wednesday in Memphis. Westbrook said he just wanted to focus on the moment, yet his mind raced ahead to someday telling his unborn son about the experience.

“It’s something that I could never dream about growing up in the inner city of Los Angeles,” he said. “I never dreamed about a moment like this, to be able to be on this stage.”

Westbrook also moved into a tie with Wilt Chamberlain for fourth on the career list with his 78th triple-double.

In other results, Brooklyn waylaid Philadelphia, 141-118; Washington held off Charlotte, 118-111; Cleveland routed Orlando, 122-102; Indiana rallied past Toronto, 108-90; Denver repulsed New Orleans, 134-131; New York upended Chicago, 100-91; San Antonio turned back Memphis, 95-89; Utah routed Portland, 106-87; Golden State whipped Minnesota, 121-107; and Sacramento subdued Dallas, 98-87.

Back in Oklahoma, Bucks coach Jason Kidd, who is third with 107 triple-doubles, was impressed with Westbrook’s ability to dominate without scoring as much as usual. Westbrook, the NBA’s scoring leader, made just four field goals.

“He didn’t have to score 40 tonight to help them win,” he said. “It showed that he was sharing the ball, and everybody was benefiting from that.”

Enes Kanter scored 17 points for the Thunder, who posted their largest victory margin of the season.

Michael Beasley scored 14 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Bucks.