Week in Review: Triple Russell

AP Photo

Two stellar victories sandwiched two disappointing losses this week. Not coincidentally, the Thunder’s two wins were headlined by Russell Westbrook’s 11th and 12th triple doubles of the season, vaulting him to the top of the NBA leaderboard. As a matter of fact, the Thunder are unbeaten when Westbrook records a triple double.

Over the last two seasons, Westbrook has 23 triple doubles, far more than any other player in the league. Since he entered the league in 2008, only Rajon Rondo (37) has more triple doubles (Westbrook has 35 since 2008).

What’s remarkable is that Westbrook’s emergence as a triple-double force is somewhat sudden. In his first 6 years as a pro, Westbrook recorded a total of 12 triple doubles–a notable amount (third highest rate in the league in that span). But it’s rare to record triple doubles at the rate Westbrook has done so the last two seasons. In fact, the last player to have back-to-back seasons of 10 or more triple doubles was Jason Kidd in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons (before Westbrook entered the league). Only five players since 1983 have recorded back-to-back seasons of 10 or more triple doubles: Fat Lever, Jason Kidd, Grant Hill, Magic Johnson, and Russell Westbrook.

Westbrook is also in rare company in his ability to rack up a triple double in limited minutes. Since 1983, there have been 37 triple-doubles recorded in less than 30 minutes. Westbrook has 5 of such games, more than any other player.

So, while we worry ourselves about the Thunder’s perplexing play, we should at least take a moment and enjoy the record-setting play of Westbrook.

THE GAMES

• Win vs. the Los Angeles Clippers on March 9, 120-108
• Loss vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 11, 96-99
• Loss at the San Antonio Spurs on March 12, 85-93
• Win vs. the Portland Trailblazers on March 14, 128-94

THE BEST PLAYER

Russell Westbrook. Due significantly to his two triple doubles, Westbrook secured this week’s best player nod behind per-game numbers of 21.8 points, 12.5 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting almost 48% from the field.

THE WORST PLAYER

Anthony Morrow. With Dion Waiters out after the loss of his brother in a tragic shooting, Morrow got his first rotation minutes in a while. Morrow, however, continued to struggle with his shot, shooting just 27% from three.

I think a lot of the blame falls on his inconsistent minutes. Rotting on the bench isn’t conducive to good shooting, and, not surprisingly, when Morrow was a more regular part of the rotation, he shot very well from three. From October 2015 through January 2016, Morrow shot 42% from three. Since then, as his minutes have dropped, Morrow is shooting just 26%.

THE BEST PERFORMANCE

Russell Westbrook against the Los Angeles Clippers. What was initially a historic 25 point, 20 assist, 11 rebound game was downgraded to a still historic 25-19-11 game after video review showed some generous stat keeping contributed to an extra assist. It was the first time a player hit at least 25 points, 19 assists, and 11 rebounds since Magic Johnson did so in 1988.

THE WORST PERFORMANCE

Kyle Singler against the San Antonio Spurs. With his 0-5 shooting night (including 0-4 from three), Singler notched his 14th game this season shooting 0% from the field, and his 16th game scoring zero points. For all the attention Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook get as the catalysts for the Thunder, maybe it’s Singler. The Thunder are just 5-11 when Singler fails to score a point.

THE BEST PLAY

It’s such a simple play, but in its simplicity is greatness. In the pick and roll, Enes Kanter charges hard to the lane after setting a screen for Durant. Durant hesitates just enough to draw the defenders in before dumping off a nice little bounce pass to Kanter, who finishes strong and draws the foul.

THE WORST PLAY

I just had to get Nazr Mohammed, the newest member of the Thunder, on the board in the Week in Review. Thankfully, Mohammed gave me a LOL worthy play, as he aggressively fought for position well prior to Morrow’s free throw.

WEEK IN PREVIEW

• At the Boston Celtics on March 16 at 6:00 pm (ESPN)
  Prediction: Oklahoma City withstands a furious fourth-quarter rally and holds on to beat the Boston Celtics.
• At the Philadelphia 76ers on March 18 at 6:00 pm (FSOK)
  Prediction: In a game that appears more daunting after the meltdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves last week, the Thunder take care of business.
• At the Indiana Pacers on March 19 at 6:00 pm (FSOK)
  Prediction: On the second night of a back to back in the midst of a three-game road trip, the Thunder drop one to the Indiana Pacers.