Westbrook climbs ladder with 60th career triple-double

LOS ANGELES: Russell Westbrook notched the 60th triple-double of his career in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 114-105 victory over New Orleans on Wednesday to pass Larry Bird for fifth place on the all-time list. Westbrook posted 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to fuel the Thunder with his 23rd triple-double of the season and his second in three victories over the Pelicans this season. Bird amassed his 59 triple-doubles in a 13-year NBA career, starring with the Boston Celtics from 1979-92. “I didn’t watch much, but I know he was a good player,” Westbrook said of Bird. “Obviously, he’s a legend for a reason. “It’s an honour, man,” Westbrook, 28, added. “I never take this game for granted to play the game I love every night and to be able to do that is a great accomplishment. The path just to get to where I’m at is an honour that I don’t take for granted.” Despite Westbrook’s effort — and another early injury exit for Pelicans star forward Anthony Davis — New Orleans challenged until the end. Oklahoma City led by 22 points in the second half but withstood a 9-0 Pelicans scoring run in the fourth quarter that cut the deficit to 105-100 with 5:33 remaining. Davis reinjured his right thigh late in the second quarter and finished with eight points and five rebounds. Guard E’Twaun Moore paced the Pelicans with 18 points. — AFP