If last night did not prove why Russell Westbrook deserves the 2016-17 NBA regular season MVP, I don’t know what will. Game winner? Check. Historic Triple Double? Check. Breaking the hearts of the Nuggets fans in attendance? Check.
Many things went on late Sunday evening, but one thing for sure, Westbrook proved why he is the league MVP.After then free agent Kevin Durant decided to join the Golden State Warriors, Westbrook was left to run the ship and bring success to the franchise.
The weight was extremely heavy. Thunder fans, however, were very confident that their superstar point guard would turn things around. He would, in fact, go on one of the most historical runs in league history by beating the great Oscar Robertson’s triple double record.
Westbrook now holds the record at 42 and counting. Just one more than Robertson.
During the first 17 games of the season, Westbrook already managed to get six triple-doubles. Quite impressive. The thing is, Westbrook did not show any signs of slowing down either. Scoring multiple 40 point games and leading the Thunder franchise.
“He’s blessed me with unbelievable talent to go out and compete at a high level. I’m just thankful for my teammates, for my coaching staff, for the organization, for all the fans, for my family for believing in me and allowing me to do what I’m doing,” Westbrook following the record-breaking triple double at Denver.
The point that I don’t understand from many is the fact that team success is currently being brought up in the discussion for league MVP. If that is the case, what will be the story from the Thunder this season? Lottery pick? They were already fighting for a spot in the bottom seeding of the playoff race.
So if we take into effect that Westbrook did not play for the Thunder, they would be in the same position as the Lakers, unfortunately.
Since Durant has left, Westbrook has not only taken a leadership role, but he has become a top player in his position and also a top five player in this league. It looks like it was a blessing in disguise.
Last night against the Nuggets Westbrook finished with 50 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists. He also had the game-winner
Have to see it to believe it. Russell Westbrook makes the @TISSOT buzzer-beater. #ThisIsYourTime pic.twitter.com/b4OqZwTGdy
— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2017
With that shot, the Nuggets were eliminated from playoff contention. Savage.
https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/851214304007344128
https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/status/851213526597197826
Robertson held the record in 1961-62, but it was not good enough to win MVP. He lost it to Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.
Robertson wrote a piece on ESPN’s The Undefeated and gave reasonings as to why Westbrook is his MVP
1.) He took over the offense for the Oklahoma City Thunder after Kevin Durant’s blockbuster departure for the Golden State Warriors as a free agent changed the team’s composition.
2.) This season, he beats any other guard in a head-to-head matchup.
3.) Most important, he should be rewarded for his outstanding play this season and his career-making individual accomplishments.
With that being said, my case is rested. Westbrook is your league MVP whether you like it or not.
