Russell Westbrook became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to record a 20-20-20 performance Tuesday night.
Westbrook finished with 20 points, 20 rebounds and 21 assists in the OKC Thunder’s 119-103 win against the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, and dedicated the performance to his late friend Nipsey Hussle.
The historic statline was a nod to the slain rapper’s once-membership in the Rollin’ 60’s Neighborhood Crips gang.
Russ says Nip, who was shot and killed in L.A. over the weekend, served as an inspiration.
Per The Oklahoman:
“Twenty plus 20 plus 20,” Westbrook said in the TNT postgame with Jason Terry. “They know what that means. That’s for my bro.”
[Billy] Donovan said Westbrook came to him after the game and explained why he didn’t want to come out of the game.
“I knew that he had a close friend pass away; he had mentioned and explained that to me,” Donovan said. “I think for a few guys on our team, relationship-wise, it’s kind of hit them pretty hard the last couple of days talking to them. I think for Russell that was something that really meant a lot to him.”
On Tuesday, though, Westbrook packaged a dedication and a win into one.
“It’s huge,” Westbrook said, wearing a blue shirt with “Crenshaw” printed in white letters. “I’m not going to try to put it into words, but that’s who it’s for and I’ll leave it at that.”
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