NBA world reacts to Russell Westbrook’s throwback, history-making game

Russell Westbrook has struggled a lot in recent seasons. But in Wednesday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, he was at peak form.

Westbrook paced the Los Angeles Clippers in scoring, finishing with 36 points. But he was also efficient, shooting 13-for-18 from the field and most notably, going 5-for-5 on three-point shots.

He was also an effective passer, dishing out 10 assists. So, his performance was not only a throwback, but it was history-making. No other player in NBA history has ever had a game with 30 points and 10 assists with five different teams.

Russell Westbrook becomes the 1st player in NBA history to have a 30 point and 10 assist game with 5 different franchises.
🏀Thunder
🏀Rockets
🏀Wizards
🏀Lakers
🏀Clippers pic.twitter.com/1VghXatFpr

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 30, 2023

The basketball world had a lot of praise for Westbrook’s throwback game.

Russell Westbrook tonight:

36 points
10 assists
4 rebounds
2 blocks
13/18 FG
5/5 3FG
+4 (+/-)

Vintage Russ 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZfWsVaZOQh

— ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴡ (@FeelLikeDrew) March 30, 2023

Players in Clippers history with at least 35 PTS, 10 AST, and 2 BLK in a game:

Russell Westbrook tonight.

That’s it. That’s the list.

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 30, 2023

Russ finishing with his season-high makes this pic an album cover. pic.twitter.com/mRuCz7K3wi

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) March 30, 2023

What a photo. 🏀📷🔥 https://t.co/26eeldDast

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 30, 2023

Big win for the Clippers without Kawhi and PG. Thank you Russ and Bones for the big performances when we needed it most.

— ClipShowYo (@CIipShowYo) March 30, 2023

Big win for the Clippers without Kawhi and PG. Thank you Russ and Bones for the big performances when we needed it most.

— ClipShowYo (@CIipShowYo) March 30, 2023

Indeed, Westrbrook’s performance is even more notable given that stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were both out for the game.

It was also a big win for the team.

The win temporarily tied the Clippers for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with the Phoenix Suns. Los Angeles is also only one in the loss column ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (who are playing the Suns on Wednesday), who currently occupy the seventh seed. While the Clippers are looking set to make the postseason, they’ll need to keep winning if they want to avoid the play-in games.

If Westbrook continues to play as he did on Wednesday, that will be manageable.

[ESPN Stats & Info]