Russell Westbrook came to the Washington Wizards seeking a fresh new start in his career. A chance to revamp his NBA career with a team who has struggled in the past years. Westbrook came to Washington to help this organization get back on its feet, while its been a long time since the Wizards been talked about in the lime light.
Russell Westbrook has been giving the Washington area something to talk about, but not only that. Westbrook has given the Wizards and Washington area something to be proud of, and that’s tying up triple doubles with one of the greatest to ever play the game Oscar Robertson.
The way Westbrook plays the game is immaculate and the way he runs up and down the floor with tenacity and determination makes everyone in the building filled with energy. His leadership skills and his will to win at all cost has been embraced by the Washington community and team.
Biggest milestone of career
Since joining the Washington Wizards, Westbrook has been amazing and he showed that tonight. Recorded his 181st triple double of his career, tying up Oscar Robertson who set the record in 1974.
This big milestone happened with less than two minutes to play in the third quarter of an astonishing duel between the Wizards and Pacers. 133-132 overtime win puts the Wizards in ninth place of the Eastern Conference. Westbrook earned this win by hitting a pair of free throws putting his team on his back, winning by a point. On the other end Westbrook made a game saving block the very next possession.
Westbrook reached his 10th assist dishing off too Bradley Beal which made him reach the biggest milestone of his career. The fearless point guard finished off the night with 33 points, 19 rebounds, and 15 assists.
“It’s unbelievable, man, I’m truly blessed and thankful,” Westbrook said. “I take so much pride in going out and leaving everything I have on the floor. Tonight was another one of those nights where you have to grind it out and figure it out. I’ve had unbelievable teammates over the years and even now, organizations, and I’m just thankful for everyone along the way along this journey.”
Westbrook has been a force to be reckoned with since injury
Last night was an add on to Westbrook’s greatness recording his 35th triple double of the season. Westbrook has had 25 triple doubles in 34 games since the all star break which is very Impressive. The NBA is combined for 38 triple doubles within the same span, which says a lot about how this legend has been playing since coming back from his torn quadricep injury. If Westbrook keeps playing like this and at this level, we can see the Wizards push for that spot in the Eastern Conference.
Since being in the league Westbrook has took some lofty criticism. Issues that pertain to Westbrook not moving past the second round after him and Kevin Durant splitting. Even having Paul George as a teammate as well as James Harden, still not making it past the second round of playoffs has been a concern around the league. But being apart of the Wizards organization, Westbrook’s triple doubles has made his and the teams situation much better.
This win on Saturday night puts the Wizards in ninth place in eastern play. The team is 1 1/2 games behind Charlotte for the Eighth seed and if the Wizards show what they showed tonight against the Pacers. The sky is the limit for this amazing team.
Will Wizards clinch 8th seed behind Westbrook’s play?
The Wizards and Hornets come across each other at the end of the regular season May 16th.
It took Westbrook some time to get to where he is now in his career. Standing at 6 foot 3, Russell has had to put some work in his craft to be the triple double king of our lifetime. Westbrook only had 8 triple doubles over his first six seasons, but now he is one of the greatest point guards of our time because he worked on his craft day in and day out.
This season marks his fourth of his past five seasons where he averaged 21.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 11.4 assists. Westbrook became the first player since Oscar Robertson to accomplish this milestone, winning MVP in the 2016-17 season.
“It’s really amazing that, growing up, you saw [Robertson’s] record,” Wizards Coach Scott Brooks said. “You just thought that record would never be touched. A high-level point guard, that’s five rebounds. Six rebounds, maybe. It’s incredible. That’s Russell. He’s an incredible player, incredible person.”
Westbrook and the Wizards face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday where he has a chance to break the record and own it for himself. We will have to wait and see what happens this upcoming Monday.
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Northwest Sports Desk 