Russell Westbrook needed just three quarters to get his first triple-double as a Washington wizard, but he will have to wait a bit longer to get his first win.
The -L-Star Point Guard entered Washington Washington in typical Westbrook fashion with 21 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds. But that wasn’t enough to spoil Philadelphia’s start of the Doc Reverse as the Sixers won 113-107 against the Wizards in Philadelphia.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Westbrook, who was traded for John Wall before training camp, became the sixth player in NBA history to go with a triple-double in his team debut.
The Point Guard had 13 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds by the end of the third quarter, becoming the first player with a triple-double in the first three quarters of his team’s season opener in the last 25 seasons, according to ESPN statistics and data research. Denver’s Nicola Joaquin then copied the achievement later Wednesday night, when she also had a double three times in three quarters.
However, this is a familiar area for Westbrook, who now has 45 career triple-doubles in three quarters – four times more than any other player in the last 25 seasons.
Still, Westbrook didn’t get what he really wanted – his first win with the Wizards.
“Not good enough,” Westbrook said of his performance. “Honestly, I’m kind of disappointed in myself, some of the tragedies and dramas where I would have been better.
“I don’t like to lose. At any stage of my career, I prefer to go out and win the game. Now the next game got better.”
Westbrook made 9-for-22 and missed both of his 3-point attempts. But new backcourt teammate Bradley Bill scored 31 points and stole four.
The Wizards said they have experienced Westbrook’s intensity and competitiveness since the start of the camp. But Bill finally got to see and experience it in a real game.
“I love it,” Bill said. “Granted, it’s just a game, but I just love his energy, his competitiveness and his responsibility at the end of the day. I think that’s what I like most about him. I’m the type of person, I want responsibility, I want someone who is lighting a fire under me, I want someone to tell me what I am doing wrong.
“We keep that standard. I think Rush does it to a higher, higher level. I think it’s necessary. It’s a direct carry to the rest of the team. It brings the rhythm, it sets the tone and we take advantage of it. Give it to him. “
Westbrook and Bill took six-turnover and Philadelphia scored 0 points in the fourth quarter, giving Washington a total of 20 turnovers.
After the loss, Westbrook said he was going to study Bill’s film to learn more about the dynamic scoring guard.
“It’s really, really good,” Westbrook said. “Not just to score a basketball scl but to make space and get to his destinations. As I watch the movie, once I get on this plane, I will learn how I can help him, make the game easier for him. We are moving forward with this journey.
“This is the first of many [games], So we got it, I’m sure I can make it easier for her to play. “
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