Robertson endorses Westbrook for MVP
OKLAHOMA CITY, April 13, (AP): Oscar Robertson endorsed Russell Westbrook for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award before the Thunder’s regular-season finale against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
Westbrook broke Robertson’s single-season record for triple-doubles by getting his 42nd on Sunday against Denver. Robertson set the previous record of 41 for the Cincinnati Royals during the 1961-62 season.
Robertson attended Wednesday’s game as part of the Thunder’s effort to honor Westbrook for his record-setting season. Robertson congratulated Westbrook, and at the end of his short speech, he got the crowd fired up.
“I only have one more thing to say: M-V-P!!” Robertson said, triggering a loud ovation.
Westbrook broke Robertson’s tripledouble mark with a 50-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist performance in Denver on Sunday, and his buzzer-beating, game-winning 3-pointer knocked the Nuggets out of the playoffs.
Robertson said Thunder fans should be proud of Westbrook, the first player since Robertson to average a tripledouble for a season.
“When Russell was on this journey, I felt that I just had to be here,” Robertson told the crowd.
“What he has done has been historic in nature. He’s played with passion and pride and ability. It’s is just outstanding what he has done and the way he did it.”
During the pregame ceremony, the team stood at midcourt with Westbrook, along with owner Clay Bennett, general manager Sam Presti, coach Billy Donovan and assistant general manager Troy Weaver. Robertson received loud, long ovations when he first took the floor and right before he spoke. between fighters when you see each other at competitions like this. I want to keep fighting and eventually become a black belt and then turn professional.
“Before I started Jiu-Jitsu I was too fat. I weighed 65 kg, now I weigh 52 kg and am much healthier — I know about good nutrition now.
“Jiu-Jitsu teaches you to be calm and respect your opponent. Nobody loses in this sport, everybody learns something new every day.”
Additionally, running alongside the competition today was a workshop on self-defence which was run by several international trainers as part of a comprehensive program of workshops taking place throughout the event.
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has embraced the Year of Giving and on each day of the Championship is promoting a theme that furthers this noble cause. Today’s theme was ‘Year of Giving’ and all participants and spectators were urged to donate funds to Emirates Red Crescent.
The IPIC Fan Zone is the epicentre of engaging activities. Event spectators, families and competitors are able to enjoy a vast array of sponsor activities, interactive stands, family events and food trucks which are open throughout the event, making it the perfect family day-out. There is even the chance to win exciting prizes including a brand-new car from Premier Motors; a Jaguar XE.
Tomorrow sees the Festival, taking place until April 15, move on to men and women’s white belt division as well as the brand-new Para-Jiu-Jitsu category, which is not to be missed. The competition will begin at 13:30 pm at the IPIC Arena. Contestants shake hands while the referee looks on in UAE Jiu-Jitsu
Championship.