Russell Westbrook only needed three-quarters to get his first triple-double for the Washington Wizards, but he will have to wait a while 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 debut Doc Rivers with the Philadelphia 76ers, who had a 113-107 victory over the Wizards in Philadelphia.
Westbrook, who was traded for John Wall before training camp, became the sixth player in NBA history to triple-double in his team debut, said Elias Sports Bureau.
The point guard scored 13 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds at 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 research. from ESPN statistics and info. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets then doubled later on Wednesday-evening when he also had a triple-double in three-quarters.
However, this is familiar territory for Westbrook, who now has 45 career triple doubles in 3 quarters, almost four times more than any other player in the past 25 seasons.
Still, Westbrook didn’t get what he wanted most: 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 setbacks 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 get better in the next game.”
Westbrook went 9-for-22 and missed both his three-point tries. But his new teammate in the back zone, Bradley Beal, scored 31 points and stole four times.
The Wizards said they sensed Westbrook’s intensity and competitiveness early on in the camp. But Beal could finally see and feel it in a real game.
“I love it,” said Beal. “Okay, it’s just a game, but I like 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 kind of man, I want responsibility. , I want someone who light a fire under me, wants someone to tell me what I’m doing wrong
“We maintain that standard. I think Russ is doing it at a high, high level. I think it is necessary. It’s a direct transfer to the rest of the team. He brings the energy, sets the tone and we feed ourselves. with him.”
Westbrook and Beal each had six sales, and Washington had a total of 20 sales when Philadelphia scored 40 points in the fourth quarter to walk away. But Westbrook also admitted he will compromise and live with some turnover when it comes to making the right game or personally trying to prepare his teammates for the fast pace at which he plays.
After the loss, Westbrook said he would study Beal’s film to learn more about his dynamic new scorer.
“It’s really good,” said Westbrook. “Not just to score basketball, but also to create space and get to his places. When I watch the movie, as soon as I get on this plane, I will learn and see how I can help him make the game easier. for him We continue this journey.
“This is the first of many [juegos]So we need to make sure we can make the game easier for him on the go. “