Nipsey Night: OKC Thunder guard Russell Westbrook posts double-triple-double
By Alex Mcewen
OKC Thunder guard Russell Westbrook recorded the NBA’s second-ever 20-20-20 stat line. After the match, he dedicated his night to late rapper Nipsey Hussle.
Over the past few seasons, OKC Thunder All-Star Russell Westbrook has written his name all over the NBA history books. In Tuesday’s match versus the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers Westbrook added another extraordinary accomplishment to his resume.
Russ posted a double-triple-double, scoring 20 points, dishing 21 assists, and grabbing 20 rebounds. Westbrook became the second player in league history to record such a stat line; he joined Wilt Chamberlain who first accomplished the feat on February 2, 1968.
More Than Meets the Eye
On the surface, it appeared Russ simply put on an ageless performance. However, Russ’ night possessed much more meaning. Over the weekend influential Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle was killed outside his LA area clothing store.
The tragic event took the NBA and pop culture community by storm. Many players around the league shared their condolences over the heartbreaking loss. Including the Thunder’s own Paul George and Westbrook, Russ took the news particularly hard, as he was close with Nipsey.
Another close friend to Westbrook, Demetrius “Juice” Deason, shared a picture of himself, Russ, Beverly (another friend of Russ), and Nipsey from one of Westbrook’s community Thanksgiving dinners:
*NSFW language below
Over the years, Nipsey had volunteered at Westbrook’s annual Thanksgiving dinner for the Boys and Girls club in LA. The event is very personal to Russ, the fact Nipsey was involved, shows the degree of their relationship.