OKC Thunder: Russell Westbrook adds all-time franchise points leader to list of accomplishments

The OKC Thunder may have lost their final match entering the break but it sure wasn’t due to a lack of effort from Russell Westbrook who became the all-time leading scorer of the franchise.

As Thunderous Intentions noted in the OKC Thunder post-game grades the final games played prior to the break are often the most difficult of the season. For the Thunder, that situation was pronounced as the Thunder was on the road playing a disenchanted Pelicans team in the very last match of all teams entering the All-Star break.

Fans wouldn’t know that was the case if they focused solely on Russell Westbrook who gave his typical 100 percent effort. In fact, while some of the Brodie’s teammates appeared to have visions of holiday plans dancing in their heads Westbrook was delivering his highest scoring effort of the season.

Throughout the 2018-19 season, Westbrook hasn’t been scoring at the same clip Thunder Nation has grown accustomed to. Rather, the point guard has taken on the challenge of getting his teammates the ball, deferring to Paul George as the primary offensive weapon and showcasing growth in his leadership abilities.

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In terms of scoring, Westbrook has delivered six 30 point games and just one 40 point game this season prior to the match in New Orleans. But in this last pre All-Star break match it seems so fitting Westbrook showcased his notorious effort and focus producing a 44 point performance to lead all players in the contest.

While that represents the most points he’s scored this season it also resulted in Westbrook adding to his plethora of records. The Brodie enters the franchise record books as the All-Time leading scorer surpassing the Glove Gary Payton.

In addition, his 44 point, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists night increased his consecutive triple-double performances to 11 games. In this regard, Westbrook stands alone having surpassed the great Wilt Chamberlain who produced nine successive performances.

This was Westbrook’s 12th time he produced a triple-double with 40 points or more. That ties James Harden for second all-time with the trip-dub king Oscar Robertson holding the record with 22 such performances.

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Entering the Pelicans match Westbrook needed just four points to tie Payton with 18207 points with the Seattle SuperSonics – OKC Thunder franchise and five to surpass him.

Westbrook accomplished that feat early delivering the required point total prior to the end of the first quarter. On his first shot attempt, Russ connected on a 3-point effort (at 9:02), At 5:10 his driving layup provided the five points he required to surpass the Glove.

Moving forward every point scored is gravy as Westbrook sits atop the Sonics-Thunder scoring mountain with 18,246 points and counting.

Westbrook also enters this All-Star weekend in Charlotte having won the big game’s MVP in consecutive seasons. No doubt, he’ll be gunning to get Paul George his first MVP.

Also, expect the Brodie to be looking to beat LeBron James “free agent” squad, especially after the King traded him to add his Klutch Sports client Ben Simmons to his side.

Hey, Westbrook looks for little inspirational nuances every time he hits the court, so something that simple could be all it takes.

Enjoy the All-Star weekend folks, and be sure to stay connected with Thunderous Intentions as the writing team keeps you posted on the festivities and all things Thunder!