Expectations for Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook had been set before the season started.
Many had him slotted for a fantastic season now that he is the clear leader of the team, and he hasn't disappointed.
Westbrook has dazzled with his play so far and put together a string of seven triple-doubles in a row.
It drew comparisons to Michael Jordan, who also had a seven-game streak of triple-doubles, but the talk ended there.
Three games have passed and Westbrook has gone without a triple-double, although his play is still high level. Two consecutive losses, however, have resulted in some questioning why Westbrook hasn't continued to ride the wave of triple-doubles lately.
The athletic guard spoke with reporters about it on Wednesday and says he's not fond of the talk.
“Honestly, man, people and this triple-double thing is kind of getting on my nerves, really. People think if I don't get it, it's like a big thing. When I do get it, it's a thing. If y'all just let me play – if I get it, I get it. If I don't, I don't care. It is what it is. I really don't care. For the hundredth time. I don't care. All I care about is winning, honestly. All the numbers s*** don't mean nothing to me.”
In games where Westbrook does not record a triple-double, the Thunder's record is a modest 6-8.
He's played so well that he may have brought some unrealistic expectations on himself, and have many looking to him for something that isn't sustainable.
Most importantly the Thunder need to get back on track, and that is his main concern.
“I don't know what's realistic. I just go out and play every night, man. That's it. I really don't care what people think is real or not.”
The Thunder are back home Saturday night to face off against the Phoenix Suns at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
