Westbrook gets fourth triple-double in a row
OKLAHOMA CITY – Russell Westbrook became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1989 to have four consecutive triple-doubles, according to STATS, and the first since Jordan that year to have back-to-back triple-doubles with at least 40 points.
Westbrook set career highs with 49 points and 16 rebounds, and added 10 assists, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Philadelphia 76ers 123-118 in overtime Wednesday night.
Jordan had seven consecutive triple-doubles and 10 in an 11-game span in 1989 for Chicago.
It was the most points by any player with a triple-double since Larry Bird also had 49 in 1992.
Westbrook wore a mask and a headband after fracturing a bone in his right cheek Friday night against Portland. He had surgery Saturday and missed a game Sunday against the Lakers.
HIGHLIGHTS
• TACKLING HIM JUST GETS HIM MAD: LeBron James retaliated on the scoreboard after Jonas Valanciunas tackled him on a drive late in the third quarter, scoring 14 of his 29 points in the fourth and matching a season high with 14 assists, and the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers held on to beat the Toronto Raptors 120-112.
• WELCOME HOME: Kawhi Leonard had 21 points and the San Antonio Spurs punctuated their return from a nearly monthlong road trip with their largest home victory of the season, 112-85 over the Sacramento Kings.