Top 5 Russell Westbrook Triple-Doubles This Season

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Nov 8, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Dec. 17, 2016 vs. Phoenix Suns: 26 points, 22 assists, 11 rebounds

This is the first of Westbrook’s two triple-doubles against the Phoenix Suns featured on this list, with Russ notching a career-high assist total this night, in addition to shooting an efficient 9-for-17 from the field. Numerous Thunder players benefited from Westbrook’s distribution, with five Oklahoma City players finishing in double figures this night.

Westbrook was also the benefactor of plus shooting by his teammates this night, including Anthony Morrow going 3-of-4 from deep and the team going 7-of-16 overall. Westbrook commanded more attention than usual from Phoenix in this particular meeting, thanks to the Herculean performance he put on earlier in the season that it opened up opportunities for the supporting cast.

After the first quarter, it seemed Westbrook realized the Suns were all but paralyzed in fear of his ability to go 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye, using his speed to penetrate amongst the trees with a pass-first mentality. That mindset led to countless backdoor cuts and open three-pointers, with the occasional Westbrook-Steven Adams pick-and-roll sprinkled in. Rookie Domantas Sabonis even got in the act with a couple screen slips for layups and one deep ball.

The game showcased Westbrook’s growth as a player and maturity as a leader, recognizing what the defense was giving him and responding accordingly in the interest of what’s best for the team. His 26, 22 and 11 look pretty good for the guy who many point to as the most selfish player in the association.

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