Washington Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook finally came out with a true breakout performance in the 2020-21 season on Sunday night. The 2017 NBA MVP produced a season-high 41 points on an efficient 16-of-28 shooting while also nearly recording a triple-double in a stunning comeback victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Oh, yeah, Westbrook also hit the game-winning 3-pointer.

After the game, Westbrook explained that his improved health was a key component that contributed to his huge production against the Nets:

Westbrook suffered a quad injury earlier this season that sidelined him for over two weeks. In his absence, the Wizards only managed to snag a single win, which came against the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 11. While he was out, Washington also saw six games postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.

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Before Westbrook's return on Jan. 24, his season high in scoring was only 24 points. Even in the four games after his return to the lineup prior to Sunday's game, 26 points in Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks marked a high point of the season.

But Westbrook found his groove against his former teammate in Kevin Durant. There surely was some extra motivation going up against KD, but Russ also looked much better in general en route to his 41 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. He also scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone, including that game-winning triple in a 149-146 victory.

Bradley Beal also provided plenty of help with 37 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Wizards head coach Scott Brooks will need his top two players to remain healthy if they want to win more games as the season progresses. Washington is currently in a 4-12 hole to start the season, but if the two stars play at a high level and there's no Beal trade, there's plenty of time to dig out and compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Wizards will host Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.