The Asphalt: Westbrook, The Big O, and the Triple Double. . .

In NBA season, 1961–62, Oscar Robertson, ‘BNA,’ “The Big O,” averaged 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game. As the Indy Star noted not long ago: “it’s the only time a player has averaged a triple-double for the season.” It is one of those mythic sports seasons you think can never come again.

But lo and behold here comes, Russell Westbrook, RWB, of the Oklahoma Thunder toying with Robertson’s remarkable achievement, and easily within its sights right now. Considering this, it is the right time to take a look at these two players, and compare the amazing basketball they played (and are playing) during these respective moments.

First, RWB’s numbers right now are pretty impressive. He is at 31.7 points, 10.9 assists, and 10.6 rebounds per game. He is keeping Oklahoma in contention all by himself (they lead their division and would make the playoffs today). In the wake of the departure of his long time partner in OKC, Kevin Durant, it is that much more impressive.

Robertson, it should be stressed, nearly averaged a triple double several years in a row in the early 1960’s having narrowly missed it several times over a four year period. But in 1961–62 Robertson broke through with his season for the ages. So Westbrook is killing it, but be real, Robertson is the player who made the feat what it is.

I should also note that Robertson got it done without a three point shot which is important because Westbrook is shooting 5.5 threes a game and is making close to about 2 per game.

But let us give Westbrook credit; he has so far played 32 of 32 games and is averaging 35 minutes per game so he is putting in work. This is notable. Comparing the two, Robertson was on the court nearly the entire game. In his dominant year, he played over 40 minutes per game. This would enable him to get assists and rebounds by being on the court more.

Some other details are worth mentioning as well.

Robertson shot much better than Westbrook during his big season — .478. Westbrook, in contrast is at .433 this year. He actually shot better last year at .454 percent, though for his career, he is at .435. Robertson shot 48 percent from the field for his career.

Westbrook is also taking more shots to get his points: 24 per game where Robertson in his notable year only took about 20 shots per game. Both players, in their seasons, are getting to the line about the same (11).

It is hard to say what this all means considering these seasons are separated by nearly six decades. Westbrook turns the ball over more than 5 times per game and the league did not keep such stats back on the Big O. One will never know. RWB has 50 games to go to hold his numbers up and it looks like he is up to it judging by his effort.

Robertson clearly had a major effect on his team. The 1961–62 season, Cincinnati was 43–36 and made the playoffs. The year before they were only 32–37, and the years before Robertson arrived, they were dreadful. In 1959–60, the team was 19–56.

Is Westbrook having a major effect on the Thunder. The easy answer is he always has had a major impact. This year he is clearly the reason they have held it together after the Durant era came crashing to an end. However, his decision making at the end of games remains questionable.

The Big O, of course, never won a championship in Cincy; he went to Milwaukee to get the ring with Lew Alcindor. Will Westbrook win one in Oklahoma? With Golden State, San Antonio, and other monster squad waiting RWB’s every wild, relentless drives to the basket, it isn’t likely unless he gets a bit more help. Yet, this year, we are probably watching an MVP type performance, barring an injury.