Russell Westbrook is a triple-double unit, but he set a new mark for the Washington Wizards with a record-breaking day.
Meanwhile, with the return of Kyrie Irving, James Harden began his free-scoring streak for the Brooklyn Nets.
Westbrook’s Huge Day
Westbrook finished with 35 points, 21 assists (a career-high), and 14 rebounds, marking the first time a player has ever had a triple-double with 35 points and 20 assists.
Only two other players – legends Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson – had ever had a triple-double of 30 points, 20 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Westbrook notched his 16th triple-double of the season in a 132-124 home victory over the Indiana Pacers, becoming the Wizards’ franchise record-holder for the statin just his 38th game with the club.
Scott Brooks, the Wizards’ coach, praised the 32-year old former MVP; Westbrook: “He does things I’ve never seen in history. I’ve been in this league for 30 years … I don’t know, man. It’s mind-boggling.”
But he revealed Westbrook is still trying to improve his game, specifically by reducing his turnovers:
“It eats at him. I’m surprised sometimes he doesn’t have an ulcer because it eats at him so much.”
Westbrook shone brightly.
“I take pride as a leader in making my teammates better. Tonight the guys helped me out making shots and keeping it moving,” Westbrook said.
“Mindset was to go out and be aggressive and make sure I set the table for my teammates like I’ve been doing all year long and make sure they have confidence going into the fourth,” Westbrook added.
“When the fourth hits, it’s time to take over.”
Despite Westbrook’s consistent genius this season, the Wizards have won 17 games and lost 28, putting them far out of contention for the playoffs.
Nets Charge as Kyrie Returns
Kyrie Irving returned to play for the Brooklyn Nets after missing three games with a 27-point, 2-steal performance in a close victory over the losing Minnesota Timberwolves.
In the 112-107 victory, he worked well with James Harden, who had another triple-double. In the victory, Harden had 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
The Nets are second in the Eastern Conference, behind the 76ers, with a record of 32 wins and 15 defeats.
A new signing has been made. Blake Griffin was unable to build on his outstanding debut for the Nets, scoring only five points and grabbing six rebounds, compared to his 17 points against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
Jazz, Clippers Big Win
Rudy Gobert had 18 points and 17 rebounds to guide the Utah Jazz to a 114-75 win over Cleveland, raising their NBA-best record to 35-11.
The Jazz’s five-game winning streak was continued because of Donovan Mitchell’s 19 points and Mike Conley‘s 18.
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 129-105 to stretch their winning streak to six games. So rising to 32-16 and remaining four games behind the Utah Jazz in the Western League.
Marcus Morris scored 25 points for the Clippers, and Kawhi Leonard contributed 23, while Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek celebrity big man, led the Bucks with 32 points.
Jimmy Butler scored 27 points and Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points and 18 rebounds to guide Miami to a 98-88 win over New York. With 22 points, Julius Randle led the Knicks.
After the Celtics were defeated 115-109 by the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, the Heat improved to 23-24, tying them for seventh place in the East.
New Orleans was led by Zion Williamson, who had 28 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four steals. Brandon Ingram had 25 points and nine assists.
Jayson Tatum scored 34 points, gathered 9 assists for Boston. But the Celtics were unable to overpower the Pelicans after a 20-8 surge late in the contest.
After being acquired from Orlando at the NBA trading deadline, Frenchman Evan Fournier went 0-for-10 from the field in his Celtics debut.
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated Houston 120-110 thanks to Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas’s 30 points and 15 rebounds.
De’Aaron Fox scored 24 points and Richaun Holmes contributed 23 points and 12 rebounds. That lead seven Sacramento players in double figures in the Kings’ 132-115 win over San Antonio.
On his return from injury, Stephen Curry scored 32 points. Which guides the Golden State Warriors to a 116-102 win over the Chicago Bulls at home.
