Russell Westbrook needed just three quarters to get his first triple-double as the Washington Wizard, but will have to wait a little longer to get his first win.
The All-Star striker made his Washington debut in typical Westbrook fashion with 21 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds. But it wasn’t enough to ruin Doc Rivers’ debut in Philadelphia, as the Sixers won 113-107 over the Philadelphia Wizards.
Westbrook, who was traded to John Wall before training camp, became only the sixth player in NBA history, with a triple-double in his team debut, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The goalkeeper had 13 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds by the end of the third quarter, becoming the first triple-double player in the first three quarters of his team’s season opener in the past 25 seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Nikola Jokic of Denver doubled that later Wednesday night when he had a triple-double and three quarters.
However, this is familiar territory for Westbrook, who now has 45 career triple-doubles in three quarters – almost four times more than any other player in the last 25 seasons.
However, Westbrook did not get what he really wanted – his first victory with the wizards.
“It’s not good enough,” Westbrook said of his performance. “Honestly, I’m a little disappointed in myself, just a few misfortunes and songs in which I could have been better.
“I don’t like to lose. At any point in my career, I like to go out and win the game. I have to be better the next game.”
Westbrook shot 9-for-22 and missed both 3-point attempts. But his new partner on the field, Bradley Beal, scored 31 points and got four steals.
The wizards said they felt Westbrook’s intensity and competitiveness right from the start in the camp. But Beal came to see him and feel him in a real game.
“I like it,” Beal said. “Of course, it’s just a game, but I like its energy, competitiveness and responsibility at the end of the day. I think that’s what I like most about him. I’m the type of guy, I want to answer, I want someone to light a fire under me, I want someone to tell me what I’m doing wrong.
“We keep that standard. I think Russ does that at a high, high level. I think it’s necessary. It’s a direct report to the rest of the team. He brings the energy, he sets the tone, and we feed on him.”
Westbrook and Beal had six turnovers each, and Washington committed a total of 20 turnovers as Philadelphia scored 40 points in the fourth quarter to retire.
After the loss, Westbrook said he would study Beal’s film to learn more about the dynamic scorer.
“It’s very, very good,” Westbrook said. “Not only for marking basketball, but also for creating space and obtaining its seats. As I watch the movie, once I get on this plane, I will learn and see how I can help him, to make his game easier as we go along this journey.
“It simply came to our notice then [games], so we have to make sure, I have to make sure I can make the game easier for him along the way. “