Russell Westbrook and the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 127-102 on Saturday night.

The game was never even close. By the third quarter it was clear that the outing would end in a blowout victory for Denver, continuing their reign of dominance over L.A. that has spanned years.

Westbrook finished with 14 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds over his old team.

After the game, he then took to social media to mercilessly mock them:

 

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College Lacrosse Star Gaby Zola’s Provocative Photos Go Viral https://t.co/Lo3EHYgFiL

— Game 7 (@game7__) November 24, 2024

Given how poorly the Lakers treated Westbrook during his time in L.A., and the way the team used him as a scapegoat for bad coaching, awful personnel decisions and generally bad play, it’s easy to see why he feels some type of way.

Russell Westbrook’s NBA Career: Explosive Point Guard’s Journey Through Highs and Lows

Russell Westbrook has crafted one of the most dynamic and polarizing careers in NBA history. Since entering the league in 2008, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible for a point guard.

Westbrook’s career is defined by his relentless style of play. He has accumulated an impressive nine All-Star selections and captured the NBA MVP award in 2017.

Throughout his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and now the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook has been a statistical marvel.

He has averaged a triple-double in four separate seasons, a feat previously thought unattainable in the modern era. His ability to impact the game across multiple categories has made him a unique force on the court.

Despite his individual accolades, Westbrook’s career has not been without challenges. Critics have pointed to his high-volume shooting and turnover rates as potential detriments to team success.

Nevertheless, his comPetitive drive and athleticism continue to make him a valuable asset to any team he joins. He adapts his Game to complement his teaMMAtes and contribute to winning basketball.

Professional Journey and Achievements

Russell Westbrook’s NBA career has been marked by exceptional performances, multiple team changes, and numerous accolades. His journey showcases his development from a rookie to one of the league’s most dynamic players.

Early Years and NBA Draft

Russell Westbrook entered the NBA as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft, selected by the Seattle SuperSonics. The team relocated to Oklahoma City shortly after, becoming the Thunder.

Westbrook quickly established himself as a key player for the franchise.

His rookie season showed promise, with averages of 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Westbrook’s explosive athleticism and relentless playing style caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Oklahoma City Thunder Era

Westbrook’s time with the Thunder was pivotal in his career development. He formed a formidable duo with Kevin Durant, leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2012.

During his tenure, Westbrook’s statistical output soared. He averaged a triple-double for three consecutive seasons from 2016 to 2019, a feat previously achieved only by Oscar Robertson.

In 2017, Westbrook won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. His 2016-17 season was historic, as he averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game.

Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards Tenures

Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2019, reuniting with former teammate James Harden. Despite putting up strong numbers, the partnership lasted only one season.

In 2020, he moved to the Washington Wizards. Westbrook continued his triple-double prowess, breaking Oscar Robertson’s all-time record for career triple-doubles.

Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers And Beyond

Westbrook joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021. His career took a notable nosedive and he hasn’t been the same since. After his time with the Lakers came to an end, he proved to be equally ineffective with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Notable Achievements and Awards

• NBA Most Valuable Player (2017)
• 9-time NBA All-Star (2011-2019)
• 2-time NBA scoring champion (2015, 2017)
• 3-time NBA assists leader (2018, 2019, 2021)
• NBA record for most career triple-doubles
• 2-time All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017)

Statistical Overview and Style of Play

Russell Westbrook’s NBA career is defined by his explosive athleticism, relentless energy, and ability to stuff the stat sheet. His playing style and statistical production have made him one of the most dynamic and polarizing players of his generation.

Scoring and Playmaking

Westbrook has been a prolific scorer throughout his career, averaging 21.6 points per game. His scoring prowess is matched by his playmaking ability, dishing out 8.1 assists per game.

Westbrook’s aggressive drives to the basket and mid-range pull-up jumpers are his primary scoring weapons.

He has a career field goal percentage of 43.7% and shoots 30.5% from three-point range. At the free-throw line, Westbrook converts at a 78.7% clip.

His ability to create for others is evident in his nine seasons averaging over 10 assists per game.

Rebounding and Defense

Despite being a 6’4″ guard, Westbrook is an exceptional rebounder. He averages 7.1 rebounds per Game for his career. This skill has allowed him to record numerous triple-doubles, a stat line he has become synonymous with.

Defensively, Westbrook’s athleticism and quick hands translate to 1.6 steals per game. He uses his speed to disrupt passing lanes and pressure ball handlers.

His defensive intensity, while sometimes inconsistent, can be a game-changer when fully engaged.

Efficiency and On-Court Impact

Westbrook’s impact on the Game is undeniable, but his efficiency has been a point of debate.

His career true shooting percentage is 52.3%, which is below average for a high-volume scorer. He averages 3.9 turnovers per game, often a result of his aggressive playstyle.

Despite efficiency concerns, Westbrook’s on-court impact is significant.

He plays 34.4 minutes per game and has been durable throughout his career.

His ability to push the pace, create for teammates, and apply pressure on both ends of the court makes him a unique force.

Westbrook’s style of play energizes his team and can single-handedly change the momentum of games.

Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.