Russell Westbrook is no stranger to putting up absolutely insane box scores, but even by the lofty standard set by the former league MVP, he did something amazing on Tuesday night. During the Oklahoma City Thunder’s nationally televised game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Westbrook joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only player in NBA history to have 20 points, assists, and rebounds in a single game.
Westbrook ended the evening with 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 21 assists in the Thunder’s 119-103 win. Despite the fact that the game was in hand, Westbrook was in until late in the fourth quarter, as his teammates and the hometown fans obviously wanted him to get the wild box score. With less than a minute left and Westbrook needing a board, he corralled a miss and got the crowd on its feet.
🗣 "That's for Nipsey!" 💙
Russ finishes with 20 PTS, 21 AST & 20 REB in @okcthunder's win over LA. pic.twitter.com/Klp6IFuYF4
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 3, 2019
As you can see, Westbrook dedicated his performance to Nipsey Hussle, who was shot and killed on Sunday. Westbrook made it a point to show Nipsey some love throughout the evening, starting with what he wore to the arena.
Russell Westbrook rockin' the 'Crenshaw' gear for Nipsey Hussle 🙏pic.twitter.com/jceseCKH9N
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 3, 2019
During his postgame interview with Jason Terry, Westbrook made it clear once again that he put for that performance for “my bro.”
https://twitter.com/WorldWideWob/status/1113269435991773184
Obviously it takes something unreal for a a basketball player to throw together a box score that earns a comparison to Chamberlain. But even on a night where Westbrook did something unforgettable, he made it a point to stress that his historic performance was bigger than basketball.
