Russell Westbrook recently logged in yet another triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. But more importantly, the Oklahoma City Thunder got the win against the Sacramento Kings, 106-101, Monday night to improve their regular-season record to 40-29. Apart from that, they also strengthened their Westbrook triple-doubles to wins ratio.
According to Thunder beat writer Erik Horne:
Thunder is 81-18 in the regular season when Russell Westbrook has a triple-double.
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) March 13, 2018
The statistics only prove how valuable Russell Westbrook is on the team. Not only does his tenacity and ruthlessness affect his teammates' performance, but he also has the statistics to show the tangibles of his game.
He was crowned MVP last season as he averaged a triple-double with 31.6 points per game, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists, according to Basketball Reference.
It was a statistical effort that he had to do. During the off-season, the signing of Kevin Durant with the Warriors left a mighty dent in Thunder's future. They were only left with one superstar and their chances of making it to the playoffs seemed to grow thin.
Yet somehow the beast was unleashed within Westbrook. There is no question about his potential. Even before averaging a triple-double for an entire season, he was already a bona fide superstar. But after that season, there were no doubts that Westbrook's name has been etched alongside the greatest of the greats.
As NBA players always say, the statistics don't mean much if they don't go home with a win. It is a team game after all. Individual achievements can only count for much. What matters is when everyone shares the victory.
Many accuse Westbrook of padding his statistics en route to a triple-double, but no one could charge him of lacking effort every time he takes the court.
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