Westbrook comes up big with triple-double in Salt Lake City
Russell Westbrook isn’t quite on the triple-double tear he was on least season, but on Tuesday night, he came up huge with his seventh triple-double of the season. The fiery point guard ended the game with 34 points, 13 boards and 14 assists to lead his team 100-94 over the Utah Jazz.
With the win, Oklahoma City secured their third straight win and gained some much needed momentum in what has been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs this season. Carmelo Anthony and Paul George, supported the reigning MVP with 34 points and 12 rebounds, but it was center Steven Adams who made the biggest impact on this night.
It’s easy to forget how important Adams is to the franchise with all the hype surrounding OKC’s new Big Three, but he might just be the most important member of their starting five. While he’s been viewed by many as a class cleaner and enforcer, he’s much more than that.
Tuesday, the 7-foot center proved his worth with a nifty 20 points and nine rebounds. Adams patience in the post was on full display and his defensive focus was as dialed in as ever. Unfortunately for the bruising big, his performance was overshadowed by his teammate’s incredible triple-double.
Although Adams outplayed his Allstar counterparts, Melo and PG13 have done their fair share to get their big man goods looks and their work is paying off. Since their win streak began, Adams has upped his offensive output and averaged a staggeringly efficient 22 points and 8.3 rebounds on 28 of 34 shooting from the floor.
On the other end of the court, rookie Donovan Mitchell maintained his unconscious scoring streak as he hung 31 points on the Thunder. With players down and men underperforming, the Jazz have needed the combo guard to come up big in order to stay in games.
Coming out of college, Everyone knew Mitchell’s forte was putting the ball in the basket, but no one could have predicted the kind of scoring outbursts he’s had of late. Over the last six games, the streaky shooter has caught fire to average 26.2 points on 53 percent shooting from the field and 49 percent from downtown
Just a few weeks ago, Mitchell was on the outside looking in at The Rookie of the Year Award race. However, with his recent play, he’s more than put his name on the map.
Even in the inevitable event that he comes Earth and loses the Rookie of the Year Award to the Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons, Mitchell has arrived. He’s established himself as more than a lottery steal, he’s a franchise cornerstone.
You may not see it now, but give him a year or two and he’ll be starting in an Allstar game, I guarantee it.
