Russell westbrook achieved his thirty-first triple-double of the season by contributing 15 points, 12 rebounds with 11 assists, and the Washington Wizards continued their postseason momentum with a 93-122 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It was Westbrook’s 177th triple-double. in his career, placing him four off Oscar Robertson’s record in the NBA.
Also tied Wilt Chamberlain (1967-1968) in the fourth-best triple-doubles mark in a season, a list Westbrook himself led with 42 in 2016-2017.
“When they mention you to big names like Oscar and congratulate you like me, it’s really an honor and something you don’t take for granted”Westbrook said. “I am grateful to be in conversation with my name connected to yours.
Westbrook is on its way to average a triple-double for the fourth time in his career, currently with 21.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 11 assists per game.
The Wizards’ star point guard accomplished the feat three times with the Oklahoma City Thunder, most recently two seasons ago.
Coach Scott Brooks acknowledged that Westbrook’s contribution had been incredible and how he always carries the team on his shoulders both on and off the field.
The escort Bradley Beal scored 19 points in 8 of 24 shots, and the Brazilian point guard Raúl Neto also shone with 17 points that left him as the surprise winner when he left the starter.
Neto played 18 minutes and made 6 of 7 shots from the field, including the two triples he tried, and made 3 of 4 from the personnel line.
In addition to capturing five rebounds, four defenses, he gave three assists, recovered two balls, lost another two and committed three personal fouls.
The win left the Wizards 29-34 and 10th in the Eastern Conference., with the right to be in the play-in.
Golden State’s Stephen Curry, whose team did not play, regained the league’s scoring advantage over Beal from 31.3 points per game to 31.1 in the fight for the league’s leading scorer lead.
The base Collin Sexton scored 22 pointsBut he had eight turnovers for Cleveland on his return from a three-game absence with a concussion.
The turkish forward Cedi Osman had 14 points and the guard Darius garland he added 12 before leaving with a left ankle injury in the third quarter.