Russell Westbrook was delighted to pass Magic Johnson on the NBA's all-time triple-doubles list but insisted he does not take a place in history for granted.

Houston Rockets star Westbrook posted 28 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in a 126-123 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.

The 2017 MVP's latest show-stopping efforts took him to outright second on the triple-doubles list on 139, now trailing only Oscar Robertson (181).

"It's a blessing. I give nothing but thanks to the man above for allowing me to be able to go out and play and compete," Westbrook said. "It's something I never, ever take for granted.

"I know, nowadays, getting triple-doubles seems like normal, but I take pride.

"It takes a lot of energy, a lot of sacrifice, a lot of things I do off the floor to put myself out there to compete every single night and play at a high level.

"For me, that's a great accomplishment. Growing up, I was never thinking I'd be playing in the NBA. Now, to be in the history books is a blessing for me and something I don't ever take for granted."

Asked if he had heard from Johnson, Westbrook replied with a smile: "No, no, no - not yet. I'm pretty sure now, maybe..."

The 30-year-old added he rarely gets the opportunity to reflect on his career achievements but hoped to be able to this time before returning to action against former team the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

"It's crazy, man. For me, it's just surreal," Westbrook said. "Everything happens so quickly. It happened tonight, I broke the record, 'Oh, s***'. Now I get ready for the next one.

"In my mind, I never get the opportunity to sit back and think about some of the things that I've done.

"Tonight will be one of those where I take a second to be thankful and grateful to be able to go and compete and do something like that."

Johnson posted on Twitter: "Congratulations to Russell Westbrook for passing me and having the 2nd-most triple-doubles in NBA history!"