RUSSELL WESTBROOK’S incredible form continued as he made it five triple-doubles in a row to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 101-92 Sunday.

    Westbrook’s pursuit of a triple-double average over the 2016-17 season is now a big enough story that it’s not crazy to cover it on a daily basis.

    With 10 triple-doubles in this season’s 20 games prior to Sunday’s contest against the Pelicans, Westbrook’s early-season achievements are not just hopeful indicators of a feat that has been achieved just one other time in the history of the NBA. At this point, it would almost be surprising if he didn’t keep up the pace.

    Westbrook’s 28 points, 18 rebounds, and 12 assists were indicative of his overall impact on the result. As in most OKC games, Westbrook did everything the team could possibly ask of him to score, attack the glass, and set up his teammates.

    Sunday’s triple-double was especially notable, because Westbrook is the first player since Michael Jordan in 1989 to post those numbers in five straight games. Jordan’s streak lasted seven games and occurred during a longer stretch of 10 in 11 games. However, Jordan put up just 15 triple-doubles in that entire 1988-89 season — only five more than Westbrook has through 21 games.

    It wasn’t all good for Westbrook on Sunday, although even his missteps made history. With 10 turnovers, he also became the first player since Jason Kidd in 2000 to post an ignominious quadruple-double.

    Those less impressed by such statistical streaks should note that the Thunder have won all five games in Westbrook’s streak, improving their record to 13-8.

    (SD-Agencies)