Thunder vs Lakers Recap: Westbrook’s Historic Night Powers OKC Past Lakers, 119-103

Box Score| Silver Screen and Roll

During this four game home stand, the Thunder were 0-2 heading into tonight’s game versus the Lakers. To start off, the Thunder jumped out to an early lead. Yet, the Lakers kept it close by knocking down the three point shot, shooting 41% on the night.

The second quarter was riddled with injury scares. First, Steven Adams left early after being elbowed in the side of the head. Then, Westbrook was slow leaving the court after being hit in his already injured left hand before halftime.

At halftime the game was close with a score of 59-55. Russell Westbrook was 2-12 from the field, and the Thunder as a team was struggling from three.

Entering the third quarter Oklahoma City quickly expanded their lead. The Thunder went into the fourth quarter with a 94-78 lead.

Oklahoma City would withstand Lakers runs in the fourth quarter to win with a final score of 119-103.

Westbrook’s Historic Night

As Thunder fans, we have seen Russell Westbrook do unbelievable things on the basketball court before. I mean for the last three seasons, Westbrook has been averaging a triple double.

However, tonight might have been his most impressive of his career. Westbrook finished with a stat line of 20 points, 21 assists and 20 rebounds. This is only the second time in NBA history somebody has finished with 20/20/20 stat line. The only other player is of course the great Wilt Chamberlain.

Westbrook posted this stat line despite shooting a poorest 8/23 from the field and 2-9 from three. After the game Westbrook dedicated this performance to rapper Nipsey Hussle, who was killed over the weekend.

Here’s is Westbrook’s postgame interview following the win:

With the win the Thunder snap a two game losing streak, and jockey with the Spurs for the seventh seed in the Western conference.