Russell Westbrook is leading the MVP race with his Triple Doubles. He has been on a roll and tonight he kept it going against the Orlando Magic. Russell Westbrook went off for 57 points, not to mention all those points with 13 boards and 11 assists. This is his fourth straight triple-double, and it the highest scoring triple-double in NBA history. He already had a perfect triple-double last week against Philadelphia, so he continues to make history while chasing history.
Big Shot Russ
Russell Westbrook was a man on a mission against the Magic. He hit some big shots towards the end of the 4th quarter, including the three-pointer that tied the game, forcing overtime.
In overtime, the Thunder outscored the Magic 12-4 in OT and were able to get the win 114-106. Russell Westbrook's 57 points made this Triple Double the highest scoring one ever, which is an amazing feat. Being able to score almost 60 points and still get your teammates involved isn't easy, but Westbrook manages to get it done. He was the only Thunder player to score over 20 points this game, but that's not a problem as long as you get the W.
Russ for MVP
Russell Westbrook is the leading candidate for MVP, and these triple-doubles are making it hard for voters to choose anyone else. Westbrook has had to do it himself the entire season averaging 31 points per game. That is number one in the league.
If we take away the triple-doubles, Westbrook is still dominant. He leads his team in points, rebounds, assist and steals per game. That is an eye-popping stat. The next closest person in points on his team is Victor Oladipo, averaging 16 PPG.
If you add in the triple-doubles, it could be an open and shut case. He is averaging a triple double for a starter.
He is on pace to be the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double. After Wednesday's game against the Magic, he has now notched 38 triple-doubles on the season. He is three away from tying Oscar Robertson's record of having 41 triple-doubles in a season. When Westbrook has a triple double, the Thunder are 31-7, compared to 12-24 when he doesn't have one.
If that doesn't speak MVP, I'm not sure what does. Russell doesn't care about the MVP that much, as he only wants rings, but I'm sure he'll live moment if he ends up winning.
Westbrook is on a roll getting four straight triple-doubles. The Thunder starts a three-game home stand on Friday against the Spurs, so Russ will need to be ready for that one. He has a great chance at ending the season averaging a triple-double, and having the most triple-doubles in a season in NBA history. Westbrook won't rest, as the Thunder are looking to jump to the fourth spot in the West.
