Houston Rockets: Clyde Drexler was robbed of a Quadruple Double (Video)

Wandering around YouTube in search of quality video of Hakeem Olajuwon‘s quadruple-double, I came across an interesting controversy. Back in 1996, on November 1st, the Houston Rockets kicked off their season at home against the Sacramento Kings. The Rockets wear draped in their white pajamas uniforms and without newly signed Charles Barkley, who missed the game due to suspension. Rockets starting five consisted of rookie Matt Maloney, Mario Elie, Kevin Willis, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Clyde Drexler.

The reason for the controversy surrounding the game is credited solely to the stat line of then 34 year old Clyde Drexler. Clyde had a career-high 10 steals in the game (crazy) but also had 25 points, 10 boards, and what appeared to be 10 dimes, although his stat line is credited with 9 dimes. Thanks to the wonders of YouTube you can watch the Drexler highlights from the game and come to your own conclusion.

The assist in question had to be the 5th one to Matt Maloney on the fast break. Not sure why the league didn’t give it to him, but 17 years later I feel the league needs to correct this mistake.

At 34 years old Clyde Drexler would have been the oldest NBA player to get the illusive quadruple-double, and only the fifth player to do so joining Hakeem Olajuwon (twice in the same month), David Robinson, Alvin Robertson, and Nate Thurmond.

The Rockets and the Kings both appear to be moving incredibly slow, and the fact that Joey Crawford was referee also adds to the mystery and disbelief that he is still a ref in the league now.