Brooks calls Russ 2nd-best PG ever after 24-assist, 21-rebound game
Russell Westbrook is a bad, bad man on a basketball court.
The Washington Wizards star finished his team's 154-141 victory over the Indiana Pacers with an incredible line of 14 points, 24 assists, and 21 rebounds. By doing so, Westbrook set a new career high for single-game boards, while the veteran's assist total matched his career high and the Wizards' previous single-game record that Kevin Porter established in 1980.
After witnessing Westbrook's performance from the sideline, Wizards head coach Scott Brooks called him the second-best point guard ever behind Magic Johnson, according to The Athletic's Fred Katz.
"Point guards don’t do what he does," Brooks said.
Westbrook produced the third 20-plus-assist, 20-plus-rebound game in NBA history, and his second such career outing. Westbrook and Wilt Chamberlain are the only players to ever record such performances.
History tonight at @CapitalOneArena.@russwest44 recorded the third 20-20 game in NBA history with 14 points, 21 rebounds, and 24 assists! pic.twitter.com/mgAkJobwu8
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) May 4, 2021
The Wizards finished with a franchise single-game record 50 assists. Washington is the first team to notch 50 assists in a game since the Phoenix Suns accomplished the feat on Nov. 10, 1990, according to Katz.
With seven games remaining, Westbrook (178) needs four more triple-doubles to pass Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson (181) for the most all time.
Washington improved to 30-35 and now holds a three-game lead over the Toronto Raptors for the Eastern Conference's 10th seed.