Russell Westbrook has had a pretty rough season — at least by his standards. He hasn’t shot the ball well all year and has turned it over a bunch. He’s also looked a step slower on some nights, which is reasonable at 32 years old.
But Westbrook might have played his best NBA game ever against the Pacers on Monday. It’s definitely in the running.
The Wizards point guard put up numbers that no one has ever seen before — quite literally. He finished the game with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 21 (!!!) assists to lead the Wizards to a win over the Pacers.
Here’s a list of the players who have had a 35 point, 20 assist triple-double, per NBA history:
Russell Westbrook.
That’s it. There’s more to it than that, too.
Russell Westbrook's historic night:
▪️ First 35+ point, 20+ assist triple-double in NBA history
▪️ NBA-record 4th 20+ point, 20+ assist triple-double
▪️ @WashWizards franchise-record 16th triple-double pic.twitter.com/K0At5vV10v— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 30, 2021
And with that triple-double, he is now the Wizards’ all-time leader in triple-doubles after 38 games. That’s all it took.
Russell Westbrook is now the Wizards all-time leader in triple doubles.
It took 38 games.
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) March 30, 2021
His teammates were hype.
Rui Hachimira to Russell Westbrook after his historic night:
“Congrats Senpai!!” pic.twitter.com/31s1VXKzMG
— 📌Quinton Mayo (@RealQuintonMayo) March 30, 2021
@russwest44 aka BEASTBROOK!!! Man went ridiculous tonight!
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) March 30, 2021
And so was the Wizards’ Twitter account.
And y'all said Russ was washed.
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 30, 2021
This season has mostly been miserable for the Wizards. Well, not even mostly. Pretty much completely. There hasn’t been much to look forward to at all.
So it’s awesome to see Westbrook turn back the clock in this way to deliver one of his best performances ever in a win. As a Wizards fan, personally, I hope it’s the first of many.
Otherwise? Bring me Evan Mobley.
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