The moment that Kevin Durant decided to sign with the Golden State Warriors (and sell his soul to the devil, just kidding, maybe…) was the moment that everyone not only wondered just how dangerous and frightening the Warriors would, but also that “Russell Westbrook was about to put up mind-numbing numbers this season.”
Westbrook is the most explosive combination of athleticism, quickness, moxie, aggression and pure animal that the NBA has ever seen. Seeing his partner in crime leave town for a rival could only light an already lit fire for one of the league’s five most talented players.
We all knew that ALL CAPS RUSSELL WESTBROOK would be in full effect and run rampant throughout the NBA leaving destruction in his wake and with only three games played so far this season we have been proven right.
After his second straight triple-double in a ridiculous 33 point, 16 assist and 12 rebound game against the Lakers Sunday night, Westbrook now has 116 points, 37 rebounds and 35 assists through 3 games which is an NBA first.
Russell Westbrook is the 1st player in NBA history with 100 points, 30 rebounds and 30 assists in his team's 1st three games of a season. pic.twitter.com/UF4b84ekAI
— ESPN (@espn) October 31, 2016
He is also the first player to have two triple-doubles in his first three games since Magic Johnson in 1982-83.
Russell Westbrook becomes the first player since Magic Johnson in 1982-83 to begin a season with a triple-double in 2 of the first 3 games. pic.twitter.com/aRoLqqGpe8
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 31, 2016
He is averaging 38.6 points, 12.3 rebounds and 11.6 assists through three games which makes him on pace to have the best individual season numbers wise in NBA history.
His team is also 3-0. It must be noted though that those three wins are against what many feel could be three of the five worst teams in the NBA; the 76ers, Suns and Lakers.
Although watching Kevin Durant go to the Warriors was an absolute heartbreak for the Thunder, watching Russell Westbrook on full display every night is a sight to behold for not only the Thunder but the NBA in general.
We have a legitimate chance to see history this season. If any player is ever going to average a triple-double for an entire season, a la Oscar Robertson in the 1961-62 season, it will be Russell Westbrook in 2016-17.
Get your popcorn ready because Russ is putting on a show.
