NBA News: Russell Westbrook Grateful For Triple-Double Leader's Sacrifices

As Washington Wizards All-Star Russell Westbrook continues to pile up triple-doubles, his name always gets mentioned in the same breath as legend Oscar Robertson.

The 2017 NBA MVP set a handful of league records after an incredible month of April, while carrying the Wizards to a nine-game winning streak at one point.

Westbrook recorded 12 triple-doubles in April, beating legend Wilt Chamberlain's previous record. He also tallied 200+ rebounds and 200+ assists for the month, joining Robertson as the only two to do it in history.

But more than being in the same conversation, Westbrook believes that bringing up the Big O's name is important to remember his contributions to the game.

Speaking after last weekend's 122-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Westbrook shed light on why it matters to continue mentioning Robertson, whose career was plagued by racism.

"It's truly an honor man. Honestly, I don't take that for granted because is Oscar is somebody that did more for the game," Westbrook noted.

"He played in an era where it was tough being an African-American athlete in our game and he sacrificed so many things to be able to play for the game."

A former NBA champion for the Milwaukee Bucks, Robertson made history by averaging a triple-double in the 1961-62 season, a record reached by Westbrook in his MVP year when he averaged 21.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 11 assists for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In the same season, Westbrook also beat Robertson's triple-double record in a season, doing the feat in 42 games.

Westbrook's statistical dominance isn't mere stat-padding as critics would often point out. The New York Times' Marc Stein noted it translated to success, with an overall win-loss record of 133-44 in games he registered a triple-double.

With 177 overall triple-doubles, Westbrook is on the cusp of overtaking Robertson's all-time record of 181.

Whether he accomplishes it this season or later, the accompanying history matters more for the 6-foot-3 guard.

"I understand that and to me, I am just grateful to be in the conversation with his name connected, my name connected to his," he shared.