With James Harden out due to inflammation in his right foot, Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook made his first start since Nov. 14. Westbrook served as L.A.'s backup point guard for much of the season, but dominated Phoenix in his first start since November, posting 16 points, 15 rebounds, 15 assists and two steals.
With this performance, Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to record 15 points, 15 assists, 15 rebounds, two steals, and zero free throw attempts in a single game. It was Westbrook's 10th career triple-double in 15/15/15 games and his 199th career triple-double, the most in NBA history.
On this day seven years ago, Westbrook broke Oscar Robertson's single-season record for most triple-doubles. Westbrook had 50 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists and three game-winning buzzers that night, highlighting what was a historic MVP campaign.
The Clippers didn't play their best basketball in the second half of this game, but they led by as many as 37 points in the first half, which gave them a big enough cushion to survive the second half slump.
Westbrook set the tone early in this game, nearly recording a triple-double in the first half. His play in Harden's absence was a reminder of what he is still capable of at this point in his career.
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