Russell Westbrook's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Russell Westbrook. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Russell Westbrook III is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Primarily a point guard, Westbrook entered the NBA in 2008 and rose to prominence with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has played for six NBA teams throughout his career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1988: Most Triple-Doubles in a Season Since 1988-89

On March 22, 2016, Russell Westbrook recorded his 15th triple-double of the season and 34th of his career, amassing the most triple-doubles by a player in a season since 1988-89.

January 6, 2006: Career-Best 51 Points

On January 6, 2006, during his senior year, Russell Westbrook registered a career-best 51 points at Carson High School.

2008: Rookie Season Averages and Honors

In 2008, Russell Westbrook averaged 15.3 points, 5.3 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in his rookie season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

March 2, 2009: First Career Triple-Double

On March 2, 2009, Russell Westbrook recorded his first career triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

2009: First Player Since LeBron James

On February 27, 2015, in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Westbrook recorded 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists to become the first player to have three straight triple-doubles since LeBron James did so in 2009.

November 26, 2010: Career-High 43 Points Against Indiana Pacers

On November 26, 2010, Russell Westbrook scored a then-career-high 43 points against the Indiana Pacers.

2010: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal

In 2010, Russell Westbrook represented the United States national team and won a gold medal in the FIBA World Championship.

2010: Selected to FIBA World Championship team

In 2010, Russell Westbrook was selected to the FIBA World Championship team in Istanbul, Turkey, and won his first World Championship since 1994 with Team USA.

2011: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

In 2011, Russell Westbrook was selected by NBA head coaches to be a Western Conference reserve for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first all-star appearance. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team.

March 23, 2012: Career High 45 Points

On March 23, 2012, Russell Westbrook scored a career-high 45 points in a double overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2012: Olympics Gold Medal

In 2012, Russell Westbrook represented the United States national team and won a gold medal in the Olympics.

2012: Selected to play for 2012 Summer Olympic team

In 2012, Westbrook was selected to play for the Summer Olympic team in London, where he won a second gold medal.

February 20, 2014: Return to Lineup

On February 20, 2014, Russell Westbrook returned to the lineup after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

May 27, 2014: 40 Points, 10 Assists and 5 Steals

On May 27, 2014, Russell Westbrook recorded 40 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals in a Game 4 victory against the San Antonio Spurs.

2014: NBA Scoring Leader

In 2014, Russell Westbrook was an NBA scoring leader, having led the league in 2014–15.

February 4, 2015: Career High 45 Points

On February 4, 2015, Russell Westbrook tied a career-high 45 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

2016: NBA Most Valuable Player Award

In 2016, Russell Westbrook earned the NBA Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) for the 2016–17 season.

2016: All-Star Game MVP

In 2016, Russell Westbrook was voted to start in his first All-Star Game and earned his second All-Star Game MVP award. He became the first player in All-Star history to win consecutive MVPs outright.

June 26, 2017: Westbrook Wins NBA MVP Award

On June 26, 2017, Russell Westbrook was named the recipient of the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, becoming the first winner from a team with fewer than 50 wins since Moses Malone in 1982.

2017: NBA MVP

In 2017, Russell Westbrook was named the NBA MVP.

March 13, 2018: Westbrook Records 100th Career Triple-Double

On March 13, 2018, Russell Westbrook recorded 32 points, 12 assists, and 12 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks, becoming the fourth player in NBA history to record 100 triple-doubles.

January 10, 2019: Westbrook Records Career-High Assists

On January 10, 2019, Russell Westbrook recorded a career-high 24 assists, along with 24 points and 13 rebounds, in a double-overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

October 26, 2019: Westbrook Passes Magic Johnson in Career Triple-Doubles

On October 26, 2019, during his second game as a Rocket, Russell Westbrook passed Magic Johnson for second all-time in career triple-doubles, achieving 28 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds.

March 30, 2021: Westbrook Achieves Rare 30-10-20 Triple-Double

On March 30, 2021, Russell Westbrook became the first player since Magic Johnson in 1988 to record a 30–10–20 triple-double, scoring 35 points, a then-season-high 21 assists, and 14 rebounds in a win over the Indiana Pacers.

2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Russell Westbrook was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

January 4, 2022: Westbrook Achieves Turnover-Free Game

On January 4, 2022, Russell Westbrook had his first game without any turnovers since March 14, 2016, in a win against the Sacramento Kings.

January 15, 2023: Westbrook Sets Record for Triple-Doubles off the Bench

On January 15, 2023, Russell Westbrook recorded 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists off the bench, setting a record for the most triple-doubles off the bench in NBA history.

January 1, 2024: Westbrook surpasses Ewing on all-time scoring list

On January 1, 2024, Russell Westbrook moved past Patrick Ewing to take 25th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

January 10, 2025: Westbrook records triple-double against Nets

On January 10, 2025, Russell Westbrook recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 124–105 win over the Brooklyn Nets, while his teammate Nikola Jokić also recorded a triple-double.