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Oscar Robertson presents award to record-breaking Russell Westbrook

By Alex Butler
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook meets NBA legend Oscar Robertson before the Thunder's game Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets at the Chesapeake Energy Center. Photo courtesy of Thunder/Instagram
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook meets NBA legend Oscar Robertson before the Thunder's game Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets at the Chesapeake Energy Center. Photo courtesy of Thunder/Instagram

April 13 (UPI) -- Oscar Robertson attended the Oklahoma City Thunder's game to reward guard Russell Westbrook for breaking his long-standing triple-doubles record.

The NBA Hall of Famer was among those in attendance Wednesday at the Chesapeake Energy Center chanting "MVP" for the record-setting performer. The Thunder lost the contest 111-105 to the Denver Nuggets. Westbrook scored five points, had eight assists, and five rebounds in just 18 minutes of action.

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"When Russell was on this journey, I felt that I just had to be here," Robertson said in a pregame ceremony. "What he has done has been historic in nature. He's played with passion and pride. Really, it's outstanding what he has done and the way he did it. You people should really be proud of him and his accomplishment."

"I only have one more thing to say...MVP!"

Robertson, 78, handed Westbrook the Dr. James Naismith Achievement Sculpture during the ceremony.

Westbrook broke the record for most triple-doubles in a season on Sunday. Robertson set the mark with 41 triple-doubles during the 1961 season for the Cincinnati Royals.

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"Thank you guys," Westbrook said at the ceremony. "I appreciate it. I wanted to thank Oscar for coming to Oklahoma City. I appreciate everything you have done for the game of basketball. You paved the way for guys like myself and other guys in the league, so I thank you for that."

"Secondly, I thank all my teammates, my coaching staff, everybody...family and friends. Lastly, I want to thank you guys. You guys are the best fans in the world and I appreciate everything you guys have done for me."

Westbrook is the favorite for the NBA's MVP award this season, despite a spectacular season from Houston Rockets guard James Harden.

Robertson somehow did not win the MVP award during the 1961 season, despite averaging 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game. That year, the award went to five-time MVP Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics.

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