Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson's Triple-Double Seasons

 

Westbrook is on pace to average a triple-double for a full NBA season. This is a feat that has only been accomplished once in NBA history in the 1961-1962 NBA season by Oscar Robertson. But here's what makes Westbrook's season so much nuttier. In 1961-1962, Oscar Robertson averaged 44.3 minutes a game. This season, Westbrook is averaging 34.8 minutes a game!

In 1961-1962, the Cincinnati Royals had a pace of 124.9. What's more, they were actually a "slow paced" team as NBA average (for the 9 NBA teams) was 126.2. Westbrook's Thunder on the other hand average a "fast pace" of 98.0, which is top 10 in the NBA (I guess technically so were the Royals...)

As we've noted, the game in the NBA has changed ... a lot. (Fantastic chart on how "true shots" -- adjusting for free throws -- have evolved over time in the NBA) Oscar Robertson's triple-double season is so different from Westbrook's. Here's some back of the napkin math.

The Thunder average 48.3 minutes per game (overtimes!) and Westbrook averages 34.8 minutes a game. The Thunder's pace is 98.0, so assuming equal possessions (I know, not 100% accurate) Westbrook gets roughly 71 possessions a game to try and get his triple-double.

The Royals averaged 48.2 minutes per game and Robertson averaged 44.3 minutes a game. The Royals pace was 124.9, so assuming equal possessions, Robertson got roughly 115 possessions a game to try and get his triple-double.

That doesn't even compare! When Roger Marris broke Babe Ruth's home run record, it was a controversy that the increased MLB season from 154 games to 162 games meant Marris' record wasn't as good. Imagine if Marris had gotten 250 games to try and get the record, though!

Westbrook still has 22 games to go. A lot can happen. That said, if he can "match" Robertson's achievement, it should just be noted he did so with the equivalent of an arm tied behind his back.

-Dre

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