A player labeled as a "ball hog" and an old veteran believed to be nearing the end of his career, can he really regain his glory? Russell Westbrook has fiercely responded to external doubts with his performance in the Nuggets. He made 12 out of 13 shots, scored 32 points, had 21 assists, and also set a record as the first player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double with three different teammates.
This is not about "cherry-picking stats" or "showboating," but a thrilling comeback. However, how many people can see his persistence, transformation, and belief behind this?
Back in the day, Westbrook's name was considered a "god" by many fans. In the 2016-17 season, he successfully achieved an average triple-double for the season (31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists), becoming the second player in NBA history after "big brother" Oscar Robertson to accomplish this feat. That year, he won the MVP and stood at the peak of his career. At that time, Westbrook was like a sports car, ready to run over anyone who dared to get in his way.
His characteristics are very obvious: full of impact and fighting spirit that commands respect. On the court, he is always the hardest worker, never "slacking off."
Moreover, his selflessness towards his teammates is widely recognized. He is willing to pass the ball, create opportunities, and do everything for the team's victory. Many say he is a "stats maniac," but think about it carefully, would someone who only cares about stats have so many desperate performances in critical moments?
However, the basketball world is never a static stage. A season's peak does not mean one can always stay at the top of the pyramid.
When Kevin Durant unexpectedly left the Thunder to join the Warriors, Westbrook's fate began to shift to another path. The once "Thunder Twin Stars" parted ways, and he had to carry the team alone. This continued for several seasons.
Westbrook did indeed support the Thunder with his individual ability. In those years, he continuously achieved an average triple-double for the season, which was astonishing.
But at the same time, doubts followed him: his team's performance was average, he often lost in important games, and his playing style was criticized as "selfish," with some even labeling him as a "ball hog."
Later, he moved from the Rockets to the Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, and Jazz, gradually transitioning from a core player to a supporting role adapting to the system. Even so, he never "phoned it in" on the court, but as he aged, external distrust of him grew heavier.
At this point, the Nuggets extended an olive branch. This team has a common goal: the championship. Under Jokic's leadership, the Nuggets have gradually become a powerhouse in the West, but they were always missing something. Westbrook's arrival filled the Nuggets' most needed backcourt organizational capability.
After joining the Nuggets, Westbrook seemed to have completely shed the burden of being a "ball hog," no longer relying solely on his individual ability but instead perfectly integrating with the team. The most typical example is his and Jokic's "royal flush combo."
Their cooperation is textbook: Westbrook uses his speed and breakthrough ability to tear through the defense for the Nuggets, while Jokic uses his vision and passing to find the best scoring opportunities. Their styles complement each other, not only improving the team's offensive efficiency but also enhancing the Nuggets' competitiveness in the playoffs.
In fact, Westbrook's comeback story is not limited to the court. In NBA history, there are many players like him who were underestimated but rose again.
In 1995, Olajuwon led the Rockets to consecutive championships against all odds; and "Glove" Gary Payton, who won a championship in the twilight of his career after joining the Heat.
These players' stories prove one thing: how important the environment is for a player. Not everyone can be the "absolute core" of the team like Jordan or James, but as long as they find the right position and system, everyone can become the key to changing the situation.
Westbrook also has such spiritual qualities. He founded the "Why Not?" Foundation, providing educational and sports resources for children in low-income communities.
He always tells young people, "Why not give it a try?" This is also like encouraging himself - no matter how many lows he has experienced, as long as he doesn't give up, he will always find his own stage.
The Nuggets' fans may not have expected Westbrook to integrate so quickly. In just two games, he dispelled external doubts with his actual performance.
The impressive statistics of 32 points and 21 assists prove that he is still one of the top guards in the league. More importantly, he responded to those who mocked him as a "ball hog" with his team-oriented basketball performance. His feat of achieving a triple-double with three different teammates further demonstrates his adaptability and leadership on the court.
This relationship between trust and return is crucial. The Nuggets provided Westbrook with suitable soil, and he, in turn, used his sweat and efforts to make the soil bloom.
A comeback is not achieved overnight; it requires time, trust, and adaptation. In Westbrook, we see the power of perseverance and belief. Everyone will experience lows, but as long as they find the right environment and adjust their mindset, life will always bring unexpected surprises.