The NBA World Lost Its Collective Mind Over Russell Westbrook’s Historic Night In Orlando


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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.


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.

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.

https://twitter.com/Marquis_Daniels/status/847267133117440004

The rest of the NBA world was just as stunned as current and former players and tried to put this performance into perspective.

https://twitter.com/HPbasketball/status/847281299840679938

https://twitter.com/BrydieLK/status/847432956364832769