To think: Russell Westbrook's record triple-double streak is actually playing second fiddle to Paul George's MVP-level performances of late. In last night's both of those headlines came crashing down - Paul George's 45 points included the inevitable game-winning shot, handing the visiting Utah Jazz a thrilling double overtime loss.
But Russell Westbrook whose historic run of consecutive triple-doubles came to end last night, finished with 43 points of his own, to go along with 15 rebounds and 8 assists in 43 minutes of action. Westbrook's streak of 11 triple-doubles broke the previous mark set by Wilt Chamberlain, whose 9 games looked to be unimpeachable by modern standards until Russ came along displaying all kinds of genetic freakdom.
Honestly, man, I'm just very thankful, blessed, give all the thanks to the man above to be able to go out and compete," Westbrook said post-game. "And that's all I do each and every night, and whatever comes with it, comes with it."
Paul George joined Russ in talking to the press after the win - with God almighty the object of his gratitude, for steadying the windchill factor on the final shot, a floater over the Great Wall of Rudy Gobert. The win ensures the Thunder a nice little cushion over their closest competition in the Western Conference standings, the Portland Trail Blazers.