Rajon Rondo Could Challenge LeBron James as This Generation’s Triple-Double King

A funny thing happened in the final three seconds of the Celtics’ dramatic win Wednesday night over the San Antonio Spurs.

No, not the game-winning block that Paul Pierce had on Manu Ginobili, although that did happen too. I’m talking about what happened next — Rajon Rondo recovered the loose ball after Pierce’s block, and in the process, he got his 10th rebound.

That rebound gave him a triple-double for the game, and that triple-double gave him two for the season. Rondo is now one of only two players this year with multiple triple-doubles. It’s him and LeBron James. Pretty exclusive company.

Here’s a breakdown of all the trip-dubs in the NBA this season.

Rondo
12 points, 22 assists and 10 rebounds on Wednesday
10, 24 and 10 against the Knicks on Oct. 29

James
27, 10 and 11 against the Lakers on Christmas Day
32, 10 and 11 against the Knicks on Dec. 17
20, 14 and 11 against the Jazz on Nov. 9

Other players with one triple-double this season: Hedo Turkoglu, Russell Westbrook, Jason Kidd, Paul Pierce, Tim Duncan, Josh Smith, Stephen Jackson, John Wall, Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant, Brandon Jennings.

Slowly but surely, Rondo is gaining on James as the king of the flashy box score. This generation is looking for its answer to Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson, the guy who will throw down triple-doubles at a historic pace. We always assumed James would be that guy, but could Rondo have a chance?

Wednesday suggests that he might.

Rondo and the Celtics take on the Toronto Raptors at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night. The C’s young point guard will be in search of his third triple-double of the season, to tie James.