Once a force to be reckoned with, Russell Westbrook — the NBA’s all-time triple-double king — has seen his career take a different turn in recent years. But in his heyday, in 2017 to be exact, he delivered arguably his most iconic performance: A 50-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist triple-double against the Denver Nuggets.
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Victor Oladipo couldn’t help but be in awe of what he witnessed back then. He is still spellbound. The former OKC Thunder star spoke about his time spent as Westbrook’s teammate on the Above the Rim podcast. And as someone who loves ball, there was no better time to share a locker room with the man.
Westbrook was arguably the NBA’s hottest player in 2016-17. Kevin Durant had just left the Thunder in the offseason, leaving him as the man in OKC, and he did not disappoint. Russ averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. Simply staggering. The first player in NBA history to average a triple-double across a season since Oscar Robertson in 1962. But that 50-point game against the Nuggets always stands out.
There was a lot at stake in that away game. The Nuggets had to secure a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Westbrook was one triple-double shy of breaking the record for most triple-doubles in a season. The Nuggets were up 14 at one point, confident about having the game in their control, when the crowd gave Westbrook MVP chants.
“It was in Denver. I remember having a great first half and a sh*tty second half,” replied Oladipo, when he was asked about that game. He then described how Westbrook seemed to be in a league of his own that season.
Westbrook scored the last 13 points for the Thunder in the 4th quarter, including a 36-foot game winner, to help the Thunder take home a 106-105 win. Not only did he secure his 42nd triple-double of the season, but he effectively eliminated the Nuggets as well.
“I remember him [Westbrook] that whole year. He was just different. You know what I’m saying? He was just very, very different. His demeanor, his knowing… was at an all-time high, and it was something that — I sat next to him the whole entire year — so I was really able to see that up close,” he added.
Oladipo, who has looked up to several Hall of Fame stars, including Michael Jordan and Dwyane Wade, revealed that he also learned a lot from Westbrook that season. He further joked that Westbrook would “black out” during his stunning performances.
What Oladipo learned from Westbrook
Oladipo has played for a bunch of teams in the NBA, but it was with the Indiana Pacers (2017-2021) that he arguably shone the brightest. It was also the team he joined right after leaving the Thunder, which means the lessons he learned from Westbrook were still fresh.
In an interview from his early Indiana days, Oladipo revealed how Westbrook inspired him to always give his all.
“One thing I learned from him (Russ) is he’s on 110 every day,” he said. “The thing about me is that he’s on 110, I’m trying to get to 115. That’s something he kinda instilled in me without doing anything. Just being himself, and that’s how I am here.”
Westbrook understood one thing perfectly. To be Number One, a player had to constantly pursue or chase things, be it perfection or victories. And that’s the mentality that made Westbrook the best in the league that season.
Sadly, his career never quite reached the heights of 2017 thereafter. His athleticism, sort of, took a hit, and he didn’t fit into the systems for many teams he played after leaving the Thunder.
Westbrook’s shooting hit a terrible slump, something he hasn’t quite gotten out of. And he has failed to make any team his home.
Westbrook has played for the Wizards, Houston Rockets, LA Lakers, the Clippers, and is with the Nuggets right now. But his time at OKC is what will fondly be remembered by the likes of Oladipo and other ball lovers.
