NBA News: Russell Westbrook Records 40th Triple-double Of The Season, Attempts To Make 5-point Play Vs. Hornets
The Oklahoma City Thunder's superstar Russell Westbrook had just completed his 40th triple-double of the season on Sunday in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Westbrook finished the game with 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.
According to SB Nation, the Oklahoma City Thunder are now 31-9 in games where Russell Westbrook would tally a triple-double. Another triple-double before the end of the regular season will tie Westbrook with NBA legend Oscar Robertson for most triple-doubles in a single season, and if he manages to get two more in the remaining six games, he will have the record all to himself.
But many NBA analysts would believe that probably the most Russell Westbrook-like thing that happened all game came late in the fourth quarter, as the explosive point guard tried to complete an impossible comeback. With the Hornets pummeling the Thunder, 110-96 with 1:35 remaining on the clock, Westbrook got fouled on a three-point shot, bringing the Thunder to within 11.
But then Russell Westbrook did something that many weren't expecting. After going to the line, Westbrook proceeded to intentionally miss his free throw in an attempt to make it a five-point play, which would bring the Thunder to within 9.
Unfortunately, Russell Westbrook was called for a lane violation because, as per NBA rules, the shooter must wait until the ball actually hits the rim before crossing the line. While other players are allowed to leave the moment the ball leaves the shooters hands, the shooter himself must wait.
According to Yahoo! Sports, many fans said that it was too bad that it didn't work because not only will it give the Thunder a chance to inch closer, it would have also been one of the most Russ things that Russell Westbrook has ever done in a while.
Oklahoma City actually sparked an 11-1 scoring run to trim the Hornets' lead to just 9with less than five minutes to play. However, the Hornets managed to respond with key buckets and Russell Westbrook and the Thunder never recovered.
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