Russell Westbrook told everyone that his decision to come back Wednesday was not too soon. He proved himself right when he put up a career-high 49 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-118 in overtime Wednesday night. He added 16 rebounds and 10 assists to record his 4th consecutive triple-double.
The All-Star game MVP wore a protective mask after fracturing a bone in his right cheek on Friday night in Portland. He underwent surgery on Saturday and missed Sunday's game. Wednesday was his first game since the injury, but he did not skip a beat.
Westbrook became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1989 to record 4 straight triple-doubles, and first since Jordan to have back-to-back triple-doubles with 40 points. Jordan ended up with 7 straight triple-doubles, and 10 in 11 games for Chicago in 1989. Westbrook's 49-point game was the most in a triple-double since Larry Bird's 49 in 1992.
Westbrook now has 6 triple-doubles this season and 14 in his career. He scored 10 points in overtime, and clinched the triple-double with an assist to D.J. Augustin in the extra period. The Thunder point guard is averaging 33.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 11.2 assists since the All-Star break.
Dion Waiters added 20 points and 10 rebounds, good for his 2nd career double-double.
Isaiah Canaan had career highs of 31 points and eight 3-pointers made, while Jason Richardson added 29 for the Sixers. Philadelphia got off to an early 15-point lead behind 5-of-5 three-point shooting from Canaan. The Thunder would quickly respond with a 15-0 run to tie the game.
The Thunder now sit at 34-27 on the season and will visit the Chicago Bulls tonight. The Sixers fall to 13-48 and will host the Utah Jazz tomorrow night.
The All-Star game MVP wore a protective mask after fracturing a bone in his right cheek on Friday night in Portland. He underwent surgery on Saturday and missed Sunday's game. Wednesday was his first game since the injury, but he did not skip a beat.
Westbrook became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1989 to record 4 straight triple-doubles, and first since Jordan to have back-to-back triple-doubles with 40 points. Jordan ended up with 7 straight triple-doubles, and 10 in 11 games for Chicago in 1989. Westbrook's 49-point game was the most in a triple-double since Larry Bird's 49 in 1992.
Westbrook now has 6 triple-doubles this season and 14 in his career. He scored 10 points in overtime, and clinched the triple-double with an assist to D.J. Augustin in the extra period. The Thunder point guard is averaging 33.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 11.2 assists since the All-Star break.
Dion Waiters added 20 points and 10 rebounds, good for his 2nd career double-double.
Isaiah Canaan had career highs of 31 points and eight 3-pointers made, while Jason Richardson added 29 for the Sixers. Philadelphia got off to an early 15-point lead behind 5-of-5 three-point shooting from Canaan. The Thunder would quickly respond with a 15-0 run to tie the game.
The Thunder now sit at 34-27 on the season and will visit the Chicago Bulls tonight. The Sixers fall to 13-48 and will host the Utah Jazz tomorrow night.
