Thunder Nation make sure to vote Russell Westbrook 20-20-20 Moment of Year
OKC Thunder Paul George and Steven Adams are each nominated twice for individual 2018-19 NBA Awards, but fans can vote for Russell Westbrook to win Moment of Year.
Entering the All-Star Break the OKC Thunder were the hottest team in the Association. One shoulder injury (or two) and the toughest closing schedule later and the dream of a deep playoff run vanished along with the potential for Paul George to win MVP and/or Defensive Player of the Year. Steven Adams is also nominated for two awards tied to sportsmanship and off court philanthropic efforts.
The Awards show will occur on TNT, Monday, June 24 at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Thunderous Intentions covered the nominees and details for each of the individual awards in these two articles:
- NBA Award finalists announced: OKC Thunder big man Steven Adams recognized in two categories
- Paul George named as an NBA award finalist for Defensive Player of the Year and MVP
Moment of Year:
And while the media or players will vote on the above awards there is an award where fans can have their say and Russell Westbrook is one of the nominees. It’s called “House of Highlights Moment of the Year!”
Each of the nominees is very deserving and on a season full of so many remarkable memories these moments for the most part each have an emotional tie. They are:
Dwyane Wade buzzer beater over Kevin Durant:
While this was the farewell tour for Wade and notorious jersey swap season this last second buzzer beater served up a vintage ‘Flash” moment. As a fan of Wade’s since his Marquette days, it often felt this season that he was leaving the game too soon, especially in moments like this.
Westbrook historic 20-20-20 triple-double in honor of slain friend Nipsey Hussle:
For those who often say Russell Westbrook hunts stats this may be the one night that was a genuine fact. But, the reason for him going out and scoring 20 points, dishing 21 dimes and grabbing 20 rebounds wasn’t for the accolades. Rather, the Brodie did it to honor his fallen friend rapper Nipsey Hussle.
The pair had worked together on charitable events and both grew up in LA. The triple 20 significance was Nipsey Hussle was a member of the Rollin 60s. The accomplishment was off the charts, but what gave it further relevance is Russ entered the game with the intention of doing it — and then just went out and delivered.
The only other NBA player to accomplish this feat was the great Wilt Chamberlain in 1968.
Related Story. Westbrook posts double-triple-double in honor of Nipsey Hussle. light
Doc Rivers pays homage to Dirk Nowitzki:
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I’ll admit I watched this game live and I got teary over Dirk getting choked up. It was such a genuine moment. While everyone watched the Wade jersey farewell tour there was only speculation Nowitzki in his 20th campaign would also hang up the kicks at season end.
This because the German didn’t announce he was retiring until his last game in Dallas. Although Docs gesture implies the insiders of the sport must’ve known it was indeed his final season.
Doc went to the scorer’s table to stop the game so he, his team and the fans could pay Dirk the appropriate respect of his hallowed career and for being the embodiment of a pro and all around great person. The move by Doc was classy and touching.
Derrick Rose scores career high 50 points:
Another emotional moment was provided by Derrick Rose who recorded his career high of 50 points. After winning Rookie of the Year and suffering two serious knee injuries and off court issues the point guard battled to regain his once MVP-like ability.
Witnessing how emotional he was in the post game interview touched everyone who appreciates the sport or recalls just how special and unique Rose was prior to his knee injuries.
Rookie Luka Doncic hits crazy shot to tie game and send to OT:
This moment is the only one which would fall under the joyful emotion side of things but is no less relevant. It earmarked one of many highlights delivered by the generational talent as he played the game with a 19 year body and mind of a grizzled vet.
Next. 2019 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Best fit by team including a shooter for Thunder. dark
How to vote:
Fans can register their votes on the NBA.com site. Once there go to the NBA Awards section and cast your vote for Westbrook or one of the other worthy candidates.
So make sure to get your votes in.