The MVP of the NBA, Russell Westbrook has redefined the laws of basketball physics. Last year the Russ finished the season with 31.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists, all while leading a talent less OKC Thunder team into the playoffs. Last year Russ was a man on a mission, after Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors it seemed as if Westbrook was given new life. He took his frustrations out on every team in the league, and to this date has recorded a triple double against every single NBA team, except the Oklahoma City Thunder of course. However, after a quick first round bounce to Houston, entering this year was a little different. In the off-season Sam Presti (GM of Oklahoma City Thunder) in an effort to prove to Russ the team is in win now mode, acquired All Star Paul George and former All Star Carmelo Anthony. Along with other veteran role players, Presti did his part to take the load of Westbrook and create a formidable opponent in the West. However, according to NBA.com
“Westbrook is averaging 25.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and a league-leading 10.1 assists per game. To make up that 0.1 rpg deficit that’s keeping him from a triple-double average, Westbrook needs to grab 16 rebounds in Wednesday night’s season finale at home against the Memphis Grizzlies.”
Westbrook in amazing fashion will go all out for his second triple double season, and currently is in fourth place on the all-time triple-doubles list (104). Unfortunately for Sam Presti, Westbrook in-ability to slow down is the main contributor to OKC’s downfall. The Thunder currently stand 47-34 in the West and have the same offensive rating they did last year to end the season, 46.8. A team that made several sacrifices in the off-season to improve their 47-35 record, could finish with a worse record and lower playoff seeding than before. If it makes things any worse this years Thunder team has not improved at all in assists and rebounds per game.
Flip the Page to understand exactly why Russell Westbrook triple doubles do not equate to team success. In addition, Russ leading the OKC Thunder to a playoff berth, and his 25th triple double of the season.