MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook fell a rebound short of history Wednesday night in an otherwise spectacular performance.

Westbrook, who was vying for an NBA-record 42nd triple-double of the season, carried the Thunder to a 103-100 win over the Memphis Grizzlies with 45 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, making a career-high eight 3-pointers in the process.

The point guard said he couldn't help but be aware late in the game that he was a rebound away from sole possession of the mark Oscar Robertson set in the 1961-62 season.

"The crowd was screaming it, so yeah, I heard it," Westbrook said.

The last time the Thunder played the Grizzlies, on Feb. 3, they ended the game on a 15-0 run, with Westbrook scoring all 15 points.

Wednesday night's game was no less thrilling, as Westbrook neared the NBA single-season record for triple-doubles one night after tying the mark that Robertson had held for 55 years.

Westbrook's next game is at Phoenix on Friday. He is averaging 41.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 13.7 assists in three games against the Suns this season.

Oklahoma City solidified its hold on the Western Conference's sixth seed with Wednesday's win, taking a 3½-game lead over the Grizzlies. And to Westbrook, that's what mattered.

"I'm happy to get the win," he said. "I think that's important, especially for us to get ready for the playoffs."

Memphis coach David Fizdale saluted the Thunder star, after a quick joke.

"We held him from getting a triple-double, so take that, Russell Westbrook," Fizdale said with a laugh. Then he changed his tune.

"He's lightning," Fizdale said. "He's putting his fingertips all over the NBA right now, as well as the history books."

Westbrook has maintained a triple-double average since Nov. 29, never dropping below 10 in points, rebounds and assists since.

His season has been full of history, with him running up two streaks of seven consecutive triple-doubles, second only to Wilt Chamberlain's streak of nine. Westbrook sits fourth all time in career triple-doubles at 78, tied with Chamberlain. He has had seven 40-point triple-doubles and two 50-point triple-doubles.

Westbrook is also headed for his second scoring title, leading the league by averaging 31.8 points per game -- the highest scoring mark of his career. He also has career-high marks in rebounding (10.7) and assists (10.4).

Information from ESPN Stats & Information, ESPN's Tim MacMahon and The Associated Press was used in this report.