How did the Clippers’ Russell Westbrook make NBA history against the Knicks?
Love him or hate him, the Clippers new addition has proven once again that it would be a mistake to sleep on him and what’s even better is he made NBA history doing so.
Despite the heavy criticism that he received during his time with the Lakers, the former MVP has quietly climbed the NBA’s all-time assists list. Now with a new lease on life just across town, it will be interesting to see just how far the Clippers’ newest addition can take things.
Russell Westbrook climbs to ninth on all-time assist list
Though it appeared to be just another pass to a teammate who scored a routine layup, Russell Westbrook’s dish to Paul George which the latter easily scored, had real significance. It was late in the third quarter of what turned out to be a 106-95 win for LA against the New York Knicks, when the former Lakers point guard made the play and with that, a piece of statistical history. The assist represented Westbrook’s 9,060th assist of his NBA career, which in turn moved him past Detroit Pistons icon Isiah Thomas, for the ninth-most assists in NBA history.
Can Russell Westbrook climb any higher?
In all honesty, it’s going to be very difficult. At No. 9, Westbrook is more than 800 assists behind No. 8 Oscar Robertson which is achievable, but after that it gets complicated. The No. 5 spot is held by former Suns star and eight-time NBA All-Star, Steve Nash. Given age and projected minutes, it’s highly unlikely that Westbrook can make it past No. 5 in the time he has left in his career. Adding even further weight to that scenario is the fact that spot No. 4 and No. 3, held by LeBron James and Chris Paul respectively, are certain to increase in distance as both are still active players.
Yet, it has to be said that any progress Westbrook can make on the list will be rooted in how heavily he features for his new team. Consider for a moment, that Westbrook’s time with the Lakers was frustrating at best for the team, the fans and of course he himself. Indeed, the 34-year-old’s role was largely that of a bench warmer and where his time with the Clippers so far is concerned, it hasn’t been good. It only takes a casual glance at the situation to understand, that if the Clippers fail to go deep into the postseason, Westbrook’s chances at more minutes will be significantly reduced, not to mention any opportunity at starting for a new team should he move on when he becomes a free agent next season. At any rate, what we can focus on is the present and that’s what Westbrook himself appears to be doing. While the accolade is nice, it’s almost certain that he’d trade it for a shot at an NBA title this season.