What were Russell Westbrook's stats in his MVP winning year?
Russell Westbrook is one of the most electrifying players in the history of the NBA. His tenacity on the court was unmatched and was on full display back in the 2016-17 season, where he was the best player, winning the MVP award.
Back then, he was still with the Oklahoma City Thunder, trying to carry the team that was left to him by Kevin Durant. Prior to the season, Durant left Westbrook and Oklahoma City to win championships with the Golden State Warriors. This sparked a rivalry from the start between the two former teammates.
BREAKING: Kevin Durant will leave OKC for Golden State https://t.co/X0YA9hpp5k
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have broken up.
amp.twimg.com/v/f6c4e38c-24d…
Durant's decision to leave the Thunder for a greener pasture sparked the ultimate version of Westbrook. In the first game, he hinted at what he could show as he started the season with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. After that, the second game was even more exciting.
The nine-time All-Star exploded for 51 points, 13 rebounds, and ten assists, which started his league domination. During the first month of the season, Westbrook averaged 31.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 11.3 assists while shooting 42.6% from the field and 33.6% from three.
Overall, he capped off the season by winning the MVP award and averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists, carrying the Thunder to the sixth seed in the playoffs.
Also read: Russell Westbrook gets “MVP” chants from LA Lakers fans for second straight game despite loss
Could there be another MVP season like Russell Westbrook's?
When Russell Westbrook won the MVP back in the 2016-17 season, fans were surprised by how well he did it. Before his rampage, past MVP winners didn't rely heavily on consistently focusing on the three major statistical categories. Westbrook was built differently, which allowed him to be a unique winner.
Nowadays, almost every star in the league has the ability to get triple-doubles on a nightly basis. Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic is a talented big man, which has given him chances in getting triple-doubles easily. However, in the two seasons where he won the MVP, he didn't average a triple-double, but came close.
Thus, the MVP season that Westbrook had separates him from past winners. He didn't settle for just having a normal triple-double, he exceeded all expectations and went beyond what the team asked him for. Which is why he's a sure first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Also read: “I helped him prepare himself for his MVP season” - 2x All-Star says he’s on the same wavelength with Russell Westbrook as he was during his MVP season