Russell Westbrook’s ridiculous season reached a new high point on Wednesday night when he recorded the most points in a triple-double in NBA history with 57 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists to lead the Thunder back from a 21-point second half deficit (the biggest comeback in franchise history) to clinch a playoff spot.
Westbrook turned on the afterburners in the fourth quarter, putting up 19 of his 57 points in the final eight minutes of the final period, including a game-tying deep three off the dribble to tie the game and send it to overtime with seven seconds to play.
CLUTCH RUSS. https://t.co/YrpvSExUW7
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) March 30, 2017
It was a historic night for Westbrook and gave MVP voters a signature, historic single-game performance to look at that sticks out in his chase for season-long history by averaging a triple-double. Even if he doesn’t win, it’s yet another example that we need to appreciate what he’s doing this season a little more.
After his incredible showing in Orlando, the NBA world went crazy trying to wrap their minds around what he’d just done. Even those that have been critical of Westbrook in the past — either this season or further back — couldn’t help but praise him on Wednesday night, not just for putting up ridiculous stats but for also leading his team to wins.
.@NBATVRick, @3DTV and @SHAQ react to @russwest44 posting the highest scoring triple-double in @NBAHistory on NBA TV 📺#GameTime on NOW! pic.twitter.com/TaB4nCRKlP
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 30, 2017
NBA players and coaches, past and present, also took notice of his efforts on Wednesday, and reacted to his outrageous scoring performance in a triple-double on Twitter and Instagram, with many calling for him to be handed the MVP.
@russwest44 puts the icing on the @NBA #MVP award tonight with that performance! Wow!
— Drew Gooden (@DrewGooden) March 30, 2017
Westbrook is not of this planet!!! Wow, #NBA #AreYouNotEntertained
— Greg Anthony (@GregAnthony50) March 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/Marquis_Daniels/status/847267133117440004
Omg Russ 😳😳😳 cmon that shot wasn't fair
— Jared Sullinger Sr. (@Jared_Sully0) March 30, 2017
Aye Russ chill out bro 😂😂😂😂
— Jared Sullinger Sr. (@Jared_Sully0) March 30, 2017
Aaayyy can we put some respect on @russwest44 name. 🤔🤦🏾♂️
— Dorell Wright 🏁 (@DWRIGHTWAY1) March 30, 2017
In @russwest44 we trust!! Great team win fellas!! #Clinched #MVP #ThunderUp
— Norris Cole (@pg30_Cole) March 30, 2017
I watch okc thunder games cuz my brothers play for them, but I think I'd watch them anyway to see Russ play. Sheesh smh.
— Jerian Grant (@JerianGrant) March 30, 2017
No way russ Westbrook don't get MVP this year 🤷🏾♂️ just saying smh
— Dionte Christmas (@Dchristmas22) March 30, 2017
"Nothing he does surprises me. He's gonna go down as one of the best ever." – #Wizards coach Scott Brooks on Russell Westbrook
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) March 30, 2017
The rest of the NBA world was just as stunned as current and former players and tried to put this performance into perspective.
Even against Orlando, even in an overtime game, 55-12-11 is just dumb
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) March 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/HPbasketball/status/847281299840679938
57-13-11 is closer to a social security number than a reasonable basketball stat line. Put Russ Westbrook’s face on money already.
— Jared Wade (@Jared_Wade) March 30, 2017
Dear MVP voters if you vote for anybody other than Westbrook for MVP then you should lose your vote for ever! #Westbrook4MVP#38TripleDoubles
— Thomas Davis (@ThomasDavisSDTM) March 30, 2017
I've got fake outrage tweets ready to go if Westbrook doesn't win MVP 😤
— Master (@MasterTes) March 30, 2017
People will talk about a lot of individual campaigns from 2016-17, a truly record breaking season. They'll never forget Russell Westbrook's.
— Adam (@AdamJoseph____) March 30, 2017
Russell Westbrook now has 425 points in the final 5 minutes of the 4th quarter this season, most by any player over the last 20 seasons.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 30, 2017
If Russell Westbrook isn't MVP, I don't know what an MVP is
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) March 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/BrydieLK/status/847432956364832769
