Beal honored to be part of Westbrook's triple-doubles originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
As the Washington Wizards and their fans prepare to witness history with Russell Westbrook on the verge of topping Oscar Robertson's all-time triple-doubles record, his teammate Bradley Beal was asked for his thoughts on what should be a special night.
Beal said he feels grateful to be a part of Westbrook's path to the record. Westbrook has tallied 34 of his 180 career triple-doubles while playing for the Wizards this season. That puts him just one behind Roberston, needing two to pass him.
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"I’m definitely honored that I was part of it. I was a part of some of those assists and some of those accolades that he’ll get and to witness it," Beal said.
Beal said in April, after Westbrook's 24th triple-double of the season, that he was going to easily break the record by the end of the season. Though the math seemed doable, it was by no means a guarantee to happen.
But Westbrook kept racking them up. After getting triple-doubles on back-to-back nights Wednesday and Thursday against the Bucks and Raptors, Westbrook now has six in his last seven games. Beal said the record is "in the bag."
Robertson got his final triple-double in 1974, which means the record has lasted for 47 years. Now, it seems only a matter of days before it will be Westbrook's.
"To be on the other side of it and do it night in and night out against you, that was always tough. But then to be a part of it and witness him do it for your team, is on a whole new level," Beal said.
"I have a whole newfound respect for him, his approach to the game and who he is as a player. It’s just a testament to who he is."
