Becoming the Big O 2.Zero
Every superstar has a snapshot moment. What Russell Westbrook did on this infamous afternoon in the Mile High City was his. In the wake of Durant’s departure, Westbrook transformed what could have been a lost season into an MVP campaign for the ages.
During the previous match, versus the Milwaukee Bucks, Russ tied Oscar Robertson‘s record for the most triple-doubles — a record that stood for 55 years — setting the stage for his historic performance against the Nuggets.
A lot of people mentioned this game among their favorite Westbrook moments. Including Stacy S, Howell, Mendez, Jeremy S, Wiley Jr, and a few others. Let’s start off with a few words from the editor:
Sir Charles In Charge Site Expert Michael Saenz:
“Not only did the shot win the game, but it also eliminated the Nuggets from playoff contention. I believe that was his MVP season too. Great season and a great moment.”
Cumulus producer Matt Kappele offered his view on Russ’ performance inside Pepsi Center:
“Just the fashion in which he did it exemplified him perfectly. Not only did he secure the average which some thought would never be done in the modern NBA, but he did it on a wild, last-second shot from 40 feet away, and he also eliminated the nuggets from the playoffs in the process. I remember vividly that the Denver crowd (and other opposing crowds that season) were applauding Russ and openly cheering for him. He gave the fans all something to be proud of that season after we thought the franchise might collapse after Kevin left.”
Cumulus Producer and Host Matthew Meyer took a different approach and focused mainly on Westbrook passing the record:
“I have so much respect for Oscar Robertson, for Russ to achieve something that only Robertson had done just blew me away. I didn’t think it would ever be matched. And yes, he may have had some help from teammates allowing him to swoop in for rebounds, but that was still such an amazing accomplishment! Surpassing Robertson is still incredible to me, and it almost gets a shrugged shoulder now.”
Russell went on to average a triple-double for three consecutive seasons, including the 2016-17 campaign. As Meyer mentioned, his monumental achievement narrowly garners the bat of an eye now.
Just because Westbrook normalized something many assumed to be impossible, does not make the feat any less tremendous. Regardless, when Westbrook retires someday, maybe his triple-double records will be given the recognition they rightfully deserve.