Russell Westbrook only needed three-quarters to hit his first triple-double as the Washington Wizard, but he’ll have to wait a little longer for his first win.
The All-Star point guard made his Washington debut in typical Westbrook fashion with 21 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds. But it wasn’t enough to spoil Doc Rivers’ Philadelphia debut as the Sixers took a 113-107 win over the Wizards in Philadelphia.
Westbrook, who was traded for John Wall for training camp, became only the sixth player in NBA history to triple-double in his team debut, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
The point guard had 13 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds by the end of the third quarter, becoming the first player to triple-double in the first three quarters of his team’s season opener in the past 25 seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Denver’s Nikola Jokic later duplicated the performance on Wednesday-evening when he also had a triple-double through three-quarters.
However, this is familiar territory for Westbrook, who now has 45 career triple doubles in three quarters – almost four times as many as any other player in the past 25 seasons.
Still, Westbrook didn’t get what he really wanted: his first win with the Wizards.
“Not good enough,” said Westbrook of his performance. “To be honest, I’m a little disappointed in myself, just a few accidents and plays where I could have done better.
“I don’t like to lose. At any point in my career I love to win the game. I have to improve in the next game.”
Westbrook shot 9-for-22 and missed both his three-point attempts. But new backcourt mate Bradley Beal scored 31 points and stole four times.
The Wizards said they felt Westbrook’s intensity and competitiveness in the camp from the start. But Beal finally got to see and feel it in a real game.
“I love it,” said Beal. “Admittedly it’s only one 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 the most about him. I’m the type of guy, I like responsibility, I want someone to light a fire under me, want someone to tell me what I’m doing wrong.
“We stick to that standard. I think Russ does that at a high, high level. I think it’s necessary. It’s a direct transfer to the rest of the team. He brings the energy, he sets the tone and we feed on him. “
Westbrook and Beal each had six sales, and Washington had a total of 20 sales as Philadelphia scored 40 points in the fourth quarter to withdraw.
After the loss, Westbrook said he was going to study Beal’s film to learn more about the dynamic score keeper.
“He’s really good,” said Westbrook. “Not just in scoring the basketball, but also in creating space and reaching its spots. When I watch a movie, once I’m on this plane, I will learn and see how I can help him, game easier for him.we are going on this journey.
“This is the first of many [games], so we have to be sure, I have to make sure that I can make the game easier for him along the way. “