With James Harden sidelined due to right foot inflammation, LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook got his first start since November 14th. Westbrook has been LA’s backup point guard for most of the season, but dominated Phoenix in his first start since November, finishing with 16 points, 15 rebounds, 15 assists, and 2 steals.
With this performance, Westbrook became the first player in NBA history with 15 points, 15 assists, 15 rebounds, 2 steals, and 0 free throw attempts in a game. For Westbrook, this was his 10th career 15/15/15 game, and his 199th career triple-double, the most in NBA history.
On this date seven years ago, Westbrook broke Oscar Robertson’s record for the most triple-doubles in a single season. Westbrook had 50 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, and a game-winning three at the buzzer that night, highlighting what was a historic MVP campaign.
While the Clippers did not play their best basketball in the second half of this game, they led by as many as 37 points in the first half, which was a big enough cushion to survive their slippage in the second half.
Westbrook set the tone early in this game, nearly recording a triple-double in the first half. His play in the absence of Harden was a reminder of what he is still capable of at this point in his career.
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