Russell Westbrook posts NBA’s first 50-point triple-double since 1975 in stunning display
Oklahoma City guard not missing Durant as he explodes against Phoenix
Russell Westbrook doesn’t appear to be missing the one-two punch he formed with ex-teammate Kevin Durant as the Oklahoma City Thunder guard exploded for a 51-point triple double against Phoenix.
Westbrook posted the first 50-point triple double since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during the 1974-75 NBA season as he began the post-Durant era by powering the Thunder to back-to-back wins.
Westbrook, who just missed a triple double in the season opener against Philadelphia, lit Phoenix up for 51 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists as the Thunder won 113-110 in overtime in front of a crowd of 18,200 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
“You have to want to win,” said Westbrook, who made 17-of-44 shots from the field. “Very simple. If you want to win, you don’t think about being tired. Being tired is a mind thing. It’s all in your mind. You have to go out and compete at a high level and leave it on the floor.”
After eight seasons together in Oklahoma City, Westbrook is playing without Durant who signed with the Golden State Warriors in the offseason.