After Russell Westbrook broke his 55-year-old triple-double record, Oscar Robertson wanted to congratulate the Thunder guard in person.
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Robertson, 78, was in Oklahoma City Wednesday for the Thunder's final regular-season game and in addition to chatting with Westbrook before the game, Robertson presented him with the Dr. James Naismith Achievement Sculpture for individual achievement in a special pregame ceremony.
"When Russell was on this journey, I felt that I just had to be here," said Robertson, who was the 1964 MVP but lost out to Boston's Bill Russell for the MVP during Robertson's record-setting 1961-62 season. "I think that what he has done has been historic in nature.
"He's played with passion and pride and it's outstanding what he's done, the way he did it. You people should really be proud of him for his accomplishments. And I say congratulations again, and I only have one more thing to say: MVP!"
Westbrook set the record for the most triple-doubles in a regular season with his 42nd against the Nuggets on Sunday. Westbrook posted 50 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists — including the game-winning buzzer-beater — in a thrilling 106-105 win as he surpassed the Basketball Hall of Famer.“The Big O” knows his choice for MVP pic.twitter.com/RfKAGRzaFm
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2017
Before Robertson spoke, the Thunder shared this well-deserved video tribute on the video board at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Be a part of the celebration with this well-deserved video tribute to Russ for taking #hist0ry pic.twitter.com/M0UtcV78p5
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 13, 2017