Every time we run out of things to say about Russell Westbrook, he goes out and does something otherworldly. Take, for instance, his performance on Sunday against the Denver Nuggets. He notched a triple-double (which we’ll talk about in a sec) with 50 points, including this game-winning three from way downtown.
RUSSELL. WESTBROOK. DAGGER. https://t.co/wwjDRBhkwy
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) April 9, 2017
This was a virtuoso performance from Westbrook – in addition to dropping 50 on Denver, he reeled in 16 rebounds and dished out 10 assists, giving him his 42nd triple-double on the season. This is a new NBA record, breaking the tie that he had with Oscar Robertson. After the game, you could tell that Westbrook was still trying to process everything.
"It's amazing. It's something I never dreamed about as a kid."
Russell Westbrook speaks on his historic night! #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/6JlzJw96cJ
— NBA (@NBA) April 9, 2017
It was ridiculous, and like most things Westbrook, this came back to his quest to become the second MVP in Thunder history. He was so good on Sunday that some NBA players let it be known that Westbrook is their MVP.
Just called it, God wrote that script!!!!! Hahahahahahhaahhahahahahahah. That was like a movie.. Give him his trophy NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 9, 2017
wow russ. give that man the mvp.
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) April 9, 2017
History ! MVP
— Jusuf Nurkić 🇧🇦 (@bosnianbeast27) April 9, 2017
Russ MVP bro. 👀
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) April 9, 2017
It should be noted that with this win, the Nuggets were eliminated from postseason contention and the Trail Blazers sealed the 8-seed, so Nurkic and Lillard were unsurprisingly stoked. But still, praise for Westbrook that didn’t involve his MVP candidacy came from several others, including LeBron James.
Congrats to the Brodie @russwest44 on setting the record!!! #WhyNot #42 #StriveForGreatness🚀
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/jumpman23/status/851208934534766592
History made @russwest44!! Unbelievable season so far brother. 42 triple doubles…AND THE GAME WINNER HAHA!!! Wow. #WhyNot #42 #Day1 #Ern
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) April 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/Marquis_Daniels/status/851214810096312320
Respect and salute to my lil bro @russwest44 42 triple dubs is crazy. But hey Why Not? #LeuzingerBiz #KB3 proud of you.
— Dorell Wright 🏁 (@DWRIGHTWAY1) April 9, 2017
ZERO WITH THE DANCE MOVES. #HISTORYMADE #WHYNOT #WOW
— B I G (@HasheemTheDream) April 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/brandonjennings/status/851214397695553536
Westbrook officially became the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season in the Thunder’s last game. Today, he set the all-time record for triple-doubles in a season, dropped 50, hit a three to seal a win from way downtown, and eliminated a team from the postseason. Time will tell if he ends up winning the MVP award, but even if he doesn’t, this season is certainly one that we’ll never forget.
