The silver lining to the Jones fracture that was going to keep Kevin Durant out for the start of the year was the chance to see an unleashed Russell Westbrook. Unfortunately, Westbrook got injured in the second game of the season and the basketball world was deprived of that treat.
Watch highlights from Russell Westbrook’s incredible night
Russell Westbrook made history by becoming the sixth player in NBA history to have four consecutive triple-doubles.
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Months later, though, the opportunity has presented itself again as Durant is missing time after foot surgery, and Westbrook has not disappointed. In February, he averaged 31.2 points, 10.3 assists and 9.1 rebounds. On Wednesday, he recorded his fourth straight triple-double, something only five other players have done in NBA history, and none since Michael Jordan did it in 1989.
The Thunder, without Durant, had a tougher time with the 76ers than expected, necessitating an overtime period to pull out the win. Without Westbrook scoring 49 points, pulling down 16 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists, it would have likely been a loss and Oklahoma City would not be a full game up on the Pelicans for the eighth spot in the West. Westbrook, who played with a face mask after suffering a fractured cheekbone against the Trail Blazers last Friday, also tied Larry Bird for the highest points total on a triple-double in the past 30 years.
“For those of you, including myself, that thought Russell might need a couple of games to get used to wearing the mask,” Scott Brooks said to ESPN, “we were wrong.” Westbrook showed early on that he was going to play exactly like he always has: without fear.
The historic night provided a hilarious reaction from his teammates and a new nickname for Westbrook.
Russell Westbrook's current run has Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones like... (via @NewsOKPhoto): pic.twitter.com/JV9YQC2AHq
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) marzo 5, 2015 Russell Westbrook aka 'ManiacRuss' is the #MVP #IDontCareWhatNobodySays #ThunderUp
— Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) marzo 5, 2015 Performances like this one have Westbrook's case for NBA MVP building fast, and Kevin Durant supports it:
Crowd chanting MVP for Russell Westbrook at the line. Kevin Durant on the bench lifting his arm asking for more.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) marzo 5, 2015 The Thunder will play the Bulls Thursday night in the second game of a back-to-back and Westbrook played 42 minutes last night, which probably makes a fifth consecutive triple-double too much to ask. Yet Westbrook has proved lately that nothing is impossible for him on a basketball court, so the entire NBA will be watching.
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