Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook sent Twitter into a frenzy, posting an absurd 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 21 assists in their 132-124 win over the Indiana Pacers. Westbrook hit back-to-back triples in the fourth quarter to seal the game in the absence of Bradley Beal who sat out with a hip contusion.
Russell Westbrook Enters Rare Territory With Latest Triple-Double
Etching into NBA History… again
Triple-doubles have become synonymous with Russell Westbrooks’s name since breaking Oscar Robinson’s record in 2016-17. But his latest feat has etched himself into NBA history, becoming the first player to post a triple-double with at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 20 assists. To top it off, Westbrook was able to achieve this shooting 14-26 from the field (53%), 4-6 from three (67%), and 3-5 from the line.
Westbrook now owns an NBA record six 20-point/20-assist games in the last five years.
20-point, 20-assist games in the last 5 seasons:
6 — Russell Westbrook
1 — Rest of NBA (Chris Paul) pic.twitter.com/eflgR3ptqp— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 30, 2021
Westbrook also joins NBA greats Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson to have at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 20 assists in a game.
Per @EliasSports, Russell Westbrook has joined Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson as the only members of the 30-point, 20-assist triple-double club.
Russ finished with a 35-14-21 line in the Wizards’ win over the Pacers.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 30, 2021
When any player joins the NBA’s elite, it’s a feat to behold. It’s crazy to think Westbrook was considered a defensive-minded guard with a limited offensive game when he entered the NBA.
Russell Westbrook Breaks Franchise Record in 38 Games
Entering the contest, Westbrook was tied with the Wizards triple-double record of 15. This performance gives him his 16th to now own the record outright in just 38 games.
MOST IN FRANCHISE HISTORY!
Russell Westbrook records his 16th triple-double in only 38 games. pic.twitter.com/WQRcOolDdB
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 30, 2021
This is the first taste of Westbrook’s excellence for Washington Wizards’ fans. Since 2016-17, he has continued to put up absurd numbers, and yesterday’s performance is up there with one of his best.
Final Thoughts
When it is all said and done, Westbrook will go down as one of the greats at the point guard position. The Wizards will need more of these kinds of performances to turn their season around as they hunt for a playoff spot.
If he plays like this, it will become a reality.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
