17 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists. A great performance, you might think. The firm Russell Westbrook, who nevertheless was on the verge of ruining the game for the Lakers. Because he lost three of his seven balls in the last five minutes, which, added to a technique pointed out to him, allowed the Hornets to force overtime. The point guard showed that getting a triple-double is not synonymous with playing a good game. In fact, even with those numbers, you can be a drag on your team. In one of the surprising losses to the Thunder, he already made 20 + 14 + 13 … and 10 losses!
In the age of triple-double, when they are sourced like hotcakes, Westbrook is king. After surpassing the legendary Oscar Robertson, no one has more than him in history. Add 186. The record has undoubtedly helped him be included in the recent list of the 75 greatest NBA players of all time. Another thing is that he deserved it. By physical conditions, sure. He is a spectacular athlete. For knowledge of the game he would be far behind. It’s the main reason his Lakers fit is costing so much.
Coach Stan Van Gundy spoke long ago about the triple-doubles deception, a statistic distorted by the ease with which it is achieved in recent years: “There is a big difference between 15 points and 35 points. difference between 10 rebounds and 18 rebounds. There is a big difference between 10 assists and 17 assists. To say that a triple-double is a measure of a great game … You have to tell me what percentage the player had [5/15 Westbrook ante los Hornets], how many balls did I lose [siete, con esos tres en el tramo final] and what did he do in defense. They’re nice round numbers and I understand people getting involved in those things, but I’ve never been one to think much of triple-doubles. “Amn.
It shouldn’t be easy to hold back when you’re at 130 beats per minute, although the pros would have to. But if you calmly raise the ball in the final stretch of a resolute game and in the middle of the court, you are seriously fouled by sticking your elbow in the ribs and hitting you with the knee while you are taking a pass in the air, it is almost impossible to contain yourself.
It happened to Nikola Jokic, who knocked Markieff Morris, his attacker, to the ground. It is not the first time that the NBA MVP reacts like this. It is not justifiable, but it is understandable to some extent. You will receive a financial sanction and probably some sanction match.
The Heat player should also receive punishment. “I waited until my brother turned his back. SEALED,” wrote his twin Marcus. Nailed up to how badass they are. Ojito, Jokic, they are waiting for you.
The leaders of the East, the Sixers, gave in to the Knicks … and to COVID-19. Those of Philadelphia have four players included in the NBA’s health protocols against the coronavirus: Tobias Harris, Isaiah Joe, Matisse Thybulle and their great star Joel Embiid. If you add to this that Ben Simmons still does not join the team, the rotation is reduced to little.
Eight players participated, including Paul Redd, who played five minutes. Six of them scored over ten points, including Andre Drummond who dominated the boards with 14 points and 25 rebounds. It was not enough against Knicks led by Julius Randle (31 + 12).