Three Players Did Something This Season for the First Time in NBA History

The 2016-17 season may be the greatest statistical season to date. Four, maybe five players are in the race for the Most Valuable Player of the year award, and each one have made strong cases to win it. On Tuesday, three of the potential winners accomplished something no other three players ever have done in the same season.

Russell Westbrook, James Harden and, LeBron James became the first trio in league history to each record more than TEN triple-double’s in the same season:

Russell Westbrook – 33

James Harden – 16

LeBron James – 10

Recently, Russell Westbrook worked his way to 2nd place on the NBA’s all-time triple-doubles count in a single season, overtaking Wilt Chamberlain’s 32 triple-doubles in 1967-68. With fifteen games left this season, Westbrook needs nine triple-doubles to surpass Oscar Robertson’s record of 41 in 1961-62. Oh yea, Westbrook is on pace to average a triple-double all season; he would join Robertson as the only players to do so. Depending on how Oklahoma City finishes the season likely will be the deciding factor in Westbrook’s chances to win the MVP.

James Harden is having the best year of his career, taking his new position by storm leading his team in points, assists, rebounds, minutes, and PER. Harden is the focal point in the Houston Rockets lineup. If they were without Harden, they likely wouldn’t be a top team in the Western Conference.

LeBron James is once again doing what “King James” does—the Cleveland Cavaliers are dominating the Eastern Conference and James is having a terrific season. His ten triple-doubles are the most of his career. It seems as if every year James is in the discussion.