Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook had his eighth triple double of the 2020-21 NBA season last night in their 118-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. He scored 27 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished 13 assists to get his eighth triple-double of the season and this third consecutive one as I type this. You can watch highlights of the game above.
Though Westbrook is getting many triple doubles, the Wizards also lost many games early on despite his production. But last week, he continued to produce big numbers and the Wizards are winning. The biggest difference tonight was that he shot 11-of-17 from the field and took just one three pointer (which he missed).
Russell Westbrook's shot chart from yesterday's win. For most players, you don't want to see too many mid-range shots. But in Russ' case, you don't want to see too many threes. pic.twitter.com/2vwxjlNcBs
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) February 21, 2021
This shot chart looks like an analytics-phile’s worst nightmare because of the lack of threes and a lot of mid-range shots. But in Westbrook’s case, this type of shot chart shows him at his best. Of course, we’ll take a three game-winning shot anytime!
There is still a sore weak point in Westbrook’s game this season besides three-point shooting. He’s still committing too many turnovers and has a 20 percent turnover rate. Players who have high usage rates will turn it over multiple times. But In Westbrook’s case, he’s turning it over five times a game and that certainly has room to improve.
Currently, Westbrook is averaging 19.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 9.7 assists per game this season. Given how effortless Westbrook makes triple doubles look, we may soon have to talk about whether he will have a fourth season where he averages this mark!