Top 5 Russell Westbrook Triple-Doubles This Season

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Dec 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates making three basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder defeat the Suns 114-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Oct. 28, 2016 vs. Phoenix Suns: 51 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, game-winner

51 points on 44 shots. That sentence makes coaches around the world cringe like nails on a chalkboard, but the Thunder ended up needing every point in their home opener. Westbrook notched points 48 and 49 on a layup to put Oklahoma City ahead, and the last two on free throws to help ice the game.

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Westbrook was 17-of-44 from the field, and 15-of-20 from the free throw line on the evening. He made his push for 50 in the third quarter, notching 23 points, including a stretch where he scored 14 straight Thunder points.

It was a stretch that told the Oklahoma City crowd that life had officially moved on without Kevin Durant, and that the Thunder can still win games. It was a glimpse at Westbrook’s ability to take over games with sheer force and will, the likes of which can only be replicated by LeBron James today.

That doesn’t say that Westbrook is the best player in the world, or even the second-best, but that he has the ability to bring Oklahoma City back into games nearly singlehandedly (and sometimes out of them as well). It was the best example this season of how Westbrook is must-see television, and why he’s the best attraction in the NBA this season.

Next: 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Week 17

When Russell Westbrook’s 2016-17 season is discussed in the future, we’ll remember specific nights where he came to your city and had his way with (insert team here). The best part is, he’s not done yet and there’s likely a few more signature performances left in his bag when the Thunder return from the All-Star break.

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