Watch Russell Westbrook Record A Triple-Double In Just 28 Minutes Of Action

The Thunder keep rolling even with Kevin Durant in street clothes. Russell Westbrook, the continued maturation of Serge Ibaka, and the absence of an unhappy Reggie Jackson are the biggest reasons why. Russ did his damage in just three quarters of action last night in a 105-92 win over the visiting Pacers before staying on his feet to cheer on his teammates in his unique fashion.

Westbrook’s 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 dimes came in just 28 minutes on the court and was his third triple-double of the season — it also tied him with Rajon Rondo and Michael Carter-Williams for the most so far this year. Since the start of the playoffs last spring, Russell’s put together six triple-doubles.

This season, Russ is doing it largely without the 2014 MVP, but he continues to mix and match dribble drives, pull-ups, pocket passes to cutting teammates, and shovel passes to his baseline bigs. All five defenders are aware when Russ explodes towards the hoop, and he’s gotten really great at spotting the open player when the second defender slides over to guard the rim.

Jenni Carlson of the Oklahoman even got Russ to talk after the game — Berry Tramel doesn’t even bother — about identifying which of his skills they need from him on a given night:

“There’s different opportunities to take different shots and make different passes,” Westbrook said. “My job is to come out and find a way to lead us. If it’s scoring, scoring. If it’s rebounding, rebounding. If it’s passing, it’s passing.”

Russ finished a pedestrian 8-of-19 shooting the ball, but 11 defensive rebounds for a guard is simply amazing. Plus, he’s gotten great at snagging a board and taking it all the way to the opposite iron for the bucket or the assist.

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The deadline addition of Enes Kanter has helped a lot in Durant’s absence, and Westbrook has developed a fun pick-and-roll comfort level with the former Jazz big.

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The Thunder will make the playoffs, and it’s not crazy to consider Westbrook a viable MVP candidate if he keeps playing at this level.

(Video via GD’s Extra Highlights)

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