Russell Westbrook had another amazing game after recording his 18th triple-double of the season and knocking down another game-winning shot. A good second half could mean another MVP trophy.
The Oklahoma City Thunder won against the Sacramento Kings Thursday night after Russell Westbrook hit another game-winning 3-point shot. He also recorded a triple-double midway through the third quarter.
Westbrook talked after the game about how creating space gave him the ability to make the shot, via NBA.com:
"”Got to find a way to get space with one second left,” Westbrook said. ”They thought I was going for a lob. I just read the defender and tried to pop back and get some space.”"
On Jan. 23, Westbrook hit a game-winning 3-pointer against the Brooklyn Nets and on Dec. 22, he hit a game-winning 3-pointer against the Atlanta Hawks.
"Westbrook for the win...GOT IT!"
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2018
Russell Westbook nails the @TISSOT Buzzer-Beater to lift the @okcthunder to victory! #ThisIsYourTime pic.twitter.com/Ui6nO8iBPS
When it is crunch time the OKC Thunder want the ball in Westbrook’s hands. Last year, Westbrook had a PIE (Player Impact Estimate) of 40.3 during crunch time, which was the best in the league.
Westbrook used to be seen as the player that shot too much and was not playing efficient basketball, but now he is the answer for OKC when they need him most.
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Westbrook has recorded a triple-double 18 times this season. Even if he records a triple-double in the rest of his games this season, he will still not be able to pass the record he set last year. Despite this, Westbrook should still be considered for a second consecutive MVP award.
Westbrook has what you are looking for when it comes to an MVP candidate. He has the MVP moments, complete with the triple-doubles and game-winning shots.
He has a game this season where he assisted 21 times. His stat line is almost as jaw-dropping as his stat line last year, averaging 25.3 points, 10.4 assists and 9.5 rebounds per game.
His stats are already good enough for the MVP, but last year he was able to receive the award because the Thunder just weren’t that good but were able to make the playoffs on Westbrook’s merits alone.
This year, the team is underachieving with three superstars on the team, which hurts his case, but if the Thunder are dominant after the All-Star break, Westbrook could be given a serious look for the MVP trophy.
Right now the Thunder are one game behind the Spurs for the third spot in the Western Conference. Getting that spot would help Westbrook’s case, certifying the Thunder as one of the league’s best teams.
Westbrook’s numbers are MVP-caliber already. He is eighth in points per game, 13th in rebounds per game and first in assists per game.
Being a top-10 scorer, top-20 rebounder as a point guard and first in assists, all while being an elite scorer, are things that most players are not able to do. Westbrook is nowhere near a lock for the trophy this year, as James Harden, who he was in a race with last year, is looking poised for the trophy as the frontrunner.
The Houston Rockets have the best record in the NBA right now and have looked impressive all season. LeBron James could sneak into the conversation based on his absurd numbers and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ chances of surging to a strong finish.
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But if Westbrook gets the Thunder back on the right track and leads them to a strong finish, then he can get in the conversation for the MVP award.