Westbrook Shining Like Magic Johnson
March 11, 2016 in Sports News
No one had done anything like it since Magic Johnson managed it with the Lakers back in 1988. We of course are referring to the staggering numbers achieved by Russell Westbrook in the Thunder win over the Clippers. He performed excellently and ended with 25 points, 20 assists and 11 rebounds.
To achieve these kind of numbers reaching at least 25 points, 20 assists and 10 rebounds in a game to put it into perspective no one has come close to the feat in the last 28 years. And the last triple-double achieved in the NBA with at least 20 points and 20 assists was by Rod Strickland and that was in 1998. A review of the past that gives an idea of the feat given away last night for Westbrook fans. Kevin Durant ensured it was like he had a video game in “easy” when defining the performance of his companion.
Thunder took the victory that night with a 120-108 and with the added bonus of the point guard getting a double 20 (the first of his career) and a triple-double (his eleventh in this course). Now, tied with Draymond Green as the player who has signed more triple-doubles this season.
It mattered little that he lost 7 balls, his mastery of the game and its superiority over Chris Paul was palpable. A Chris Paul who gave 16 assists. The 20 scoring passes achieved by Westbrook constitute the record in his NBA career. And he scored above 60% of his field goals. A remarkable night.
Durant performance. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant again offered a perfect society. Suffice it to say that the forward was overshadowed by the guard despite finishing with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and excellent percentages. The relatively smaller contributions from Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter helped the outcome as well.
The third and fourth in the West faced with not that much color. OKC Thunder scored 39 points in the first quarter, dominated the scoreboard during the match and was able to have a lead of 19 points at one point in the game.
For the Clippers 23 points from Jeff Green and another 22 from J.J. Redick. Paul had 12 points, 16 assists and 5 steals.