OKC Thunder end Nuggets playoff hopes via Westbrook’s historic performance

What a game! The OKC Thunder were seemingly down but with Westbrook on their side, everyone knew – they were never out of it.

The OKC Thunder faced off against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon. The game started out pretty steady. At the end of the first quarter, the Thunder led by one point. At the half, the Nuggets led 53-52.

The game started to get out of hand for the OKC Thunder in the second half, down double digits for most of the half. Then Russell Westbrook happened.

Russell Westbrook made more history this afternoon after making some on Friday night in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Game Highlights and Lowlights:

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After getting his ninth assist, with each subsequent trip down the court the fans seemingly held their collective breath. Sure, this was a Denver Nuggets crowd who were desirous of the win to keep their playoff hopes alive, but they were also cognizant of being in attendance of history taking place.

OKC Thunder teammates also seemed to be effected by the moment, with Victor Oladipo shooting 3 for 15, Domantas Sabonis was 0-4 and Taj Gibson was 3-9.  With the emphasis on the tenth assist the tension was palpable.

Finally, a player who has taken more than his fair share of heat on this very site (Semaj Christon) delivered the made bucket on a 3-point shot for Westbrook’s tenth assist.  For all you trivia buffs the time of the shot was 4:16 of the fourth quarter.

When Christon connected on the shot the Thunder were trailing by 10 points.

Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari was on fire today netting 34 points on 12 of 20 from the field and 6 of 6 from the line. He added 10 rebounds for the double-double along with 3 assists and 2 steals.  Wilson Chandler also produced a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.  Yet, this day was not meant to be for the Nuggets as the Brodie was simply too much for the Nuggets to hold in check.

History Making:

Westbrook became the first player since Oscar Robertson on Friday night to average a triple double for the season. Sunday, Westbrook broke Robertson’s record for most triple doubles in a season with his 42nd on the year.

RELATED: Russell Westbrook does the unthinkable, but nobody cares

After setting the record for most triple doubles in a season ever, Westbrook decided to have fun and bring the Thunder back and win the game.

In the last 2:30 minutes of the game, Westbrook outscored the Nuggets himself 13-2.

Westbrook also notched another 50 point triple double. His third on the year and yes, another record. His final stat line was 50 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, and one very untouchable record.

Now, for the exciting part. After Westbrook wheeled his team back from an impossible deficit, he decided to hit a 35 foot buzzer beater.

Even the Nuggets crowd was amazed by how Westbrook did it. With this loss, the Nuggets have also officially been eliminated from playoff contention.

Russell Westbrook hits the game winner

FINAL: Thunder beat Nuggets, 106-105Westbrook: 50 PTS, 16 REBS, 10 ASTSKanter: 15 PTS, 8 REBS

Posted by Thunderous Intentions on Sunday, April 9, 2017

Breaking multiple records, leading a comeback and putting a dagger in a team’s hope of the playoffs is not a bad day at the office at all.

Even some NBA legends had some things to say about Westbrook’s amazing achievements.

https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/851214304007344128

During all the chaos, Westbrook has continued to stay humble through the season saying he doesn’t care about stats and only wants to help his teammates and win games. He continued that during his post-game speech after the win.

The OKC Thunder look to continue their road trip on Tuesday when they roll into Minnesota to face the Timberwolves. Keep it plugged here for any big news between now and then.

Take your throne Russ. Why Not?