Russell Westbrook Makes History vs. OKC Thunder

LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook made NBA history in this game

LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook entered Thursday night's game vs. the OKC Thunder with 19 career double-doubles off the bench. With 15 points and 13 rebounds in this game, Westbrook notched his 20th career double-double off the bench, which is the most by any guard in NBA history.

The only other guard with 20 such games off the bench in NBA history is Josh Hart, but it's worth noting that different statistical databases categorize him differently. StatMuse has Hart with just 12 career double-doubles off the bench as a guard, and 8 as a forward. By this count, Westbrook would have overtaken him a while ago. The next closest player in StatMuse's database is John Stockton with 18 such games. 

Basketball Reference has Hart categorized a bit differently, crediting him with 19 such games off the bench coming into this season. With one double-double off the bench this year, Hart does have 20 total for his career, but he is currently being listed as a forward by both Basketball Reference and StatMuse. Even if Hart was currently listed as a guard, Westbrook would still be tied with him atop this list after notching his 20th double-double off the bench.

A starter for most of his career, Westbrook was appearing in his his 84th game off the bench in this one, which puts into perspective how impressive this stat is. Of course the all-time leader in triple-doubles, Westbrook has countless records, many of which he set in the same building he played in on Thursday night.

Receiving a standing ovation from the OKC crowd when he checked in for the first time, Westbrook put on a show for his former fanbase in 30 minutes off the bench. The Clippers lost their nine-game winning streak, but it was always going to be a tough game with Kawhi Leonard sidelined.

There is no official word on whether or not Leonard will be available when the Clippers play the Boston Celtics in Los Angeles on Saturday night, but LA will certainly need him and the rest of the team at full strength if they want to take down one of the NBA's most prolific teams.

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