
Source: Harry How / Getty
Russell Westbrook put on a performance for the ages Tuesday night (April 2) when his Oklahoma City Thunder squad took on the Los Angeles Lakers. After the game, Westbrook dedicated his all 20s triple-double to the late Nipsey Hussle.
With the 119-103 win over the Lakers, Westbrook became just the second player in history to score at least 20 points, 20 boards, all while handing out 21 assists to boot. Ahead of the game, Westbrook was spotted wearing a blue sweatshirt from Nipsey’s Marathon clothing store. In the final minute of the game, Westbrook grabbed his 20th rebound and shouted out “That’s for Nipsey!” over the din of the crowd.
Speaking on his 20-20-20 game with courtside reporter and former player Jason Terry, Westbrook made a knowing nod to Hussle’s Rollin 60s gang affiliation by adding up the numbers of his game. Ironically enough but perhaps not intended, some NBA fans have speculated Terry has Crip gang ties as well but it’s never been confirmed.
Westbrook was obviously emotional after the game and praised Hussle for being an inspiration to him and others as a young person who grew up in the inner city. But in a presser with a throng of reporters asking questions about his connection to Hussle, Westbrook declined to answer.
Twitter reactions and discussion about Russell Westbrook’s 20-20-20 game can be seen below.
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Photo: Getty
1.
.@russwest44 and Wilt are the ONLY players to ever put up 20-20-20 💪 (via @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/xbkufWLwj7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 3, 2019
2.
I don’t think folks understand...
— L E F T, PhD ⚫️ (@LeftSentThis) April 3, 2019
The fact that Russell Westbrook went out, in honor of Nipsey Hussle, and put up 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists, from a hood perspective, this goes down as one of the greatest sports feats of all time. pic.twitter.com/dxHxymZ1mM
3.
.@russwest44 paying respect to #NipseyHussle tonight. ✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/U0oPvyqeJo
— Michael Eaves (@michaeleaves) April 2, 2019
4.
Almost time to grind.@russwest44 pic.twitter.com/e5jX39J1Yr
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 3, 2019
5.
High five from mom and dad! ✋ @russwest44 threading that needle. pic.twitter.com/9OT3PfOU4t
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 3, 2019
6.
Russell Westbrook with a Rolling 60s tribute (20-20-20) for Nipsey Hussle is next level legendary
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) April 3, 2019
7.
Mad respect @russwest44 🙏🏽. Wow!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 3, 2019
8.
@russwest44 is the realest nigga alive , don’t @ me
— Boi-1da (@Boi1da) April 3, 2019
9.
Russell Westbrook I Salute You!
— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) April 3, 2019
What You Did Is So Dope!!!
20plus20plus20... https://t.co/r8TuxnHDXn
10.
20 + 20 + 20. Westbrook really repped for Nipsey on the court. beautiful.
— Joél Leon. (@JoelakaMaG) April 3, 2019