Westbrook continues run of triple-doubles
RUSSELL Westbrook’s fourth straight triple-double spelled a fourth straight NBA victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, a 126-115 overtime triumph over the visiting Washington Wizards.
Westbrook produced 35 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists to notch his ninth triple-double of the season and the 46th of his career. Victor Oladipo added 25 points and Enes Kanter came off the bench to score 14 for the Thunder, who improved to 12-8.
Bradley Beal scored 31 points for the Wizards, whose coach Scott Brooks returned to Oklahoma City for the first time since he was sacked by the Thunder in April after seven seasons at the helm.
Brooks, who received a warm welcome from Thunder fans, looked like nabbing a victory against his former team when Beal’s three-pointer with 5:25 left in regulation put the Wizards up 97-90.
But the Thunder rallied to force overtime, Westbrook’s three-pointer with 8.5 seconds left in regulation knotting the score at 105-105.
Westbrook scored 14 points in the extra period as the Thunder pulled away.
“I thought we did a good job until overtime on Westbrook,” Brooks said. “He’s hard to stop. He’s a terrific basketball player playing at a high level.”
Westbrook’s four rebounds in the first quarter ensured he went into December averaging a triple-double.
“He’s doing an amazing job,” Kanter said. “He’s finding the open man, making his teammates better. Leading this team really well.”
Despite his shooting woes, Westbrook stayed aggressive.
“Regardless of what is going on in the game you can always impact the game in different ways,” he said. “That’s the type of player I am.”
And he found his touch when it mattered most, scoring the first five points in overtime.
“Honestly, it’s never stop believing in yourself,” Westbrook said.