One of the biggest storylines in the NBA this season has been Russell Westbrook. With Kevin Durant having moved on from Oklahoma City, Westbrook has been the unquestioned leader of the Thunder.
A massive usage rate has led to some incredible numbers for Westbrook who seems to record a triple-double every game now. In fact, he is currently averaging a triple-double.
But as the Thunder have struggled in two straight losses, Westbrook is now sick of all the talking about his triple-double. Following via Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports:
“Honestly, man, people and this triple-double thing is kind of getting on my nerves,” said Westbrook. “People think if I don’t get it, it’s like a big thing. When I do get it, it’s a thing. If y’all just let me play … if I get it, I get it. If I don’t, I don’t. It is what it is. I really don’t care. For the 100th time, I don’t care.
“All I care about is winning, man, honestly. All the numbers, (expletive) don’t mean nothing to me.”
Forgive me for being blunt, but this does not seem true at all. Westbrook clearly cares enough to go after rebounds and force passes all the while conserving his energy on defense (read: not playing any). It’s hard to believe he doesn’t care about the triple-doubles at all when he’s talked about the honor of being compared to Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson.
I don’t doubt that Russell Westbrook cares about winning more, but the idea that he’s not paying attention to his stats seems a little out there.
