Not Since Big O: Russell Westbrook's Historic Start

How many times in the past couple season have we heard “first since Oscar Robertson” when describing something Russell Westbrook had done? There have been far too many times to count. This season, Westbrook is now averaging 30.9 points, 11.3 assists, and 10.3 rebounds per game through 19 games this season. He would be the first to average a triple double since Oscar Robertson in the 1961-1962 season. So just how impressive is this 19-game start?

Only five times in the history of the NBA has a player averaged a triple double through only five games. It was done three times by Robertson, once by Magic Johnson, and by Westbrook this season. Averaging a triple double through 19 games is uncharted territory for anyone other than Robertson. Westbrook now has 8 triple doubles in his 19 games this season, including three in a row currently. Most importantly, in those 8 games, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a 6-2 record, as opposed to a 5-6 record when Westbrook does not have a triple double. Westbrook is single handedly carrying the Thunder in a way the league has not seen since perhaps 2005-2006 Kobe Bryant willing the Lakers to the postseason averaging over 35 points per game.

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

How does Westbrook’s season compare to Robertson in 1961-1962? For those who like numbers, this section is for you. When broken down piece by piece, what Westbrook is doing is actually more impressive. Take into account the different style of play in the NBA since Robertson's playing days. In the 1960’s and 1970’s the NBA was played at a much faster pace than today’s game. Average pace per 48 mins was not officially measured until 1973-1974, when the average pace was 107.8 possessions per 48 mins. This was standard for the league in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In today’s game, the average pace is 96.7 possessions per 48 minutes so far this season. The game is at least 10 possessions per game slower today than back in the 1960’s, which is 10 less chances of a shot, assist, rebound, etc. Also, take into account in 1961-1962, Robertson played an average of 44.3 minutes per game, compared to Westbrook’s 35.4 minutes per game so far this season. When adjusted for pace and minutes, Westbrook’s stats would look more like 42.5 points, 15.4 assists, and 14.2 rebounds per game if he played 44.3 minutes per game in Robertson’s NBA, compared to Robertson’s 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game in 1961-1962.

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

In today’s age of advanced metrics with such a focus on efficiency, sometimes we fail to appreciate raw numbers. The raw numbers Westbrook is putting up this season are historical, and when he has a triple double his team is successful at a much higher rate. The stat the Thunder is most concerned with is the fact the Thunder are 6-2 when Westbrook has a triple double and 5-6 when he does not. There is every reason to believe this level of play is sustainable for Westbrook. He has put up similar numbers over larger sample sizes with Durant out the past couple seasons, and the Thunder have always been massively successful when he has a triple double. We may be witnessing one of the most impressive seasons in any sport in the last 50+ years. 

We'll periodically take a look at Westbrook's season and keep you updated when he accomplishes more "first since Oscar Robertson" feats. We apologize for all the numbers this time, but the only way to really quantify how great Westbrook's season has been is by using numbers. Stay tuned for more current sports stories. Don't forget to follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram @beyondthemetrics, and Twitter @byondthemetrics.