About Last Night: Westbrook matches Wilt
Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City is well-known for his impressive statistical records.
Indeed, we’ve become so accustomed to his jaw-dropping performances that there’s been virtually zero fanfare for the fact that he’s all but assured of averaging a triple-double for a third straight season.
But the Thunder superstar outdid himself Tuesday in a 119-103 victory over the Lakers, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in NBA history to reach or surpass 20 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists in a single game.
In 1968, Chamberlain established an NBA record for triple-doubles by accumulating 22 points, 25 rebounds, and 21 assists against the Pistons. This achievement, along with his legendary 100-point game and 50.4-point season average, has been considered for many years as one of his most impressive and unbeatable feats.
Despite having a poor shooting night that led to a scoreless first quarter, Westbrook still managed to score 20 points, grab 20 rebounds and make 21 assists. He secured his final rebound with just 41 seconds left on the clock.
“It’s overwhelming,” he expressed. “I feel humbled. I’m simply grateful for the opportunity to compete at such a high level and engage in the game I adore.”
Teammate Paul George commented, “It’s truly epic. Honestly, the incredible heart of that guy is what’s so remarkable about it.”
Westbrook’s achievement could not have been more timely for him and his team. The Thunder, who had suffered losses in 13 out of 20 games since the All-Star break, were in dire need of a win. Adding to the emotional intensity, the triumph happened just days after Westbrook’s friend and fellow LA native, hip-hop artist Nipsey Hussle, was tragically killed outside his clothing store in LA.
“Those were for my brother, not for me – three twenties,” Westbrook stated. “Rest in peace, Nipsey.”
To further contextualize Westbrook’s accomplishment, there had only ever been 45 games where a player had even 15/15/15 in NBA history before Tuesday’s game, seven of which were his.
Despite their exceptional rarity, quadruple-doubles have still been accomplished four times by Nate Thurmond in 1974, Alvin Robertson in 1986, Hakeem Olajuwon in 1990, and David Robinson in 1994.
However, the double triple-double? A single-member brotherhood – until now.
Westbrook established a unique first quarter, where he didn’t score, but grabbed seven rebounds and gave out 10 assists. This achievement itself was remarkable and somewhat obscure, as it made Westbrook only the fifth player in the last 20 years to have multiple quarters with double-digit assists.
In most other games, that would have been the pinnacle of Westbrook’s night. However, as his scoring ability began to align with his increased productivity, it became clear that something extraordinary was unfolding.
Westbrook may have been the last to realize, as he didn’t seem to be actively chasing the achievement until the final few minutes. That’s when he started positioning himself under the baskets to chase rebounds.
Who could honestly fault him for seizing such an extraordinary opportunity? His fellow players, equally as astounded as anyone else who witnessed it, would certainly not.
20 20 20 we know wat it is Russ that was legendary #LongLiveNip
— Richaun Holmes (@Rich_Holmes22) April 3, 2019
–to do any ONE of those things is hard! To do TWO is one of the best games of a person's career. To do all THREE, and factor in the circumstances.. = Legendary.. https://t.co/nlvWZFlSkp
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 3, 2019
Wow this is REAL
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) April 3, 2019
On the macro level, Westbrook continues to climb up the career triple-double list, with his 135 standing just three behind Magic Johnson in second place. Should he maintain his torrid pace in recent seasons, in which he’s averaged roughly 33 triple-doubles over the past three campaigns, Westbrook will have a shot at yet another seemingly untouchable mark, Oscar Robertson’s record of 181.
Regardless of his position on the list, it’s inconceivable to consider that any of his future triple-doubles could equal, much less exceed, Westbrook’s performance on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Russ has demonstrated significant skill in accomplishing what appears to be impossible.
Bay Area beatdown
It started well enough for the Denver Nuggets, who led for most of the first quarter of their crucial Western Conference matchup with the Golden State Warriors before falling behind by six entering the second.
However, from that point onwards? The twice-crowned champions undeniably proved that, despite their unusually inconsistent performance this season, they remain the team to conquer.
The 116-102 final didn’t do nearly enough justice to the full extent of the Warriors’ dominance. Shaking off their early deficit, they proceeded to steamroll the Nuggets with ruthless efficiency, steadily building their lead up to 30 in the fourth before finally shackling the dogs.
Not even Kevin Durant’s ejection in the third could slow the Warriors, who were otherwise fortified by the best performance of DeMarcus Cousins’ abbreviated season (28 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals, two blocks) and a stifling defensive effort that limited the potent Nuggets to 37.5-percent shooting.
Cousins completely overpowered his competition with Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic, who only managed to score 10 points and get five rebounds.
Boogie Cousins asking where Jokic at? LOL pic.twitter.com/2Sffzeg8ry
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 3, 2019
Though it’s not very sportsmanlike. However, when you’ve spent the evening doing such things to one of the NBA’s top players…
…you have the freedom to celebrate in any way you prefer.
With all that considered, the Warriors have essentially secured the first place in the West, leading by two games and owning the head-to-head tiebreaker as they enter the final week of play.
This simply provides further evidence that, unless shown otherwise, they possess a capability that no other team can even nearly rival.
The streak continues
The Hawks can look forward to brighter days due to a promising young core spearheaded by Trae Young and John Collins.
Eventually, they might even be able to win a game in San Antonio.
Despite a commendable effort where the Hawks held the lead for most of the fourth quarter, they ultimately fell apart towards the end. The Alamo City remains a place of perpetual defeat for them, with a disappointing streak of 21 consecutive losses.
The last time Atlanta won in San Antonio was in February 1997, when:
Dominique Wilkins, a legend from the Hawks, was still playing… but for the Spurs.
Young was still 19 months away from his birth.
3-point onslaught
The Rockets reveled in their most recent 3-point spectacle, equalling their own single-game record set last December against Washington by sinking 26 against the Kings.
Out of the 17 times an NBA team has made 23 or more 3-pointers, eight of those instances belong to the Rockets. Moreover, seven of these occurrences have been within the last three seasons.
