Well, here’s one stat that will shock the NBA community, given how things have turned out in the 2021-22 season so far. Russell Westbrook has the most game-tying or go-ahead shots in the final minute among all active NBA players since the 2008-09 season.
Russ has been an intense competitor since he joined the league in 2008. He is a certified bucket-getter but has never been seen as a clutch player.
However, he leads the league with 53 game-tying or go-ahead buckets in clutch situations, followed closely by Damian Lillard with 52. LeBron James and Kevin Durant are also not far behind, both having 51 each.
Russ 👀
(@_Talkin_NBA) pic.twitter.com/H3TJ8Njmdv
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 11, 2021
Although he’s been a shadow of himself so far in the 2021-22 season, he put on a show in the Los Angeles Lakers’ last outing against the Miami Heat. In another overtime victory, Russ registered 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists which has undoubtedly been his best game in the purple and gold. Nonetheless, his turnover rate is still a cause for concern as he gave the ball up eight times in that fixture, two in overtime.
Mr. Triple-Double is known for more than just his scoring, as he has recorded 187 career triple-doubles, the most in league history. But his clutch performance is high questioned, especially with the likes of LeBron and Lillard still active.
Fans have taken to social media to express their disbelief in the stat. While Russ is a nine-time All-Star, they do not believe he has performed at such a high level late in games.
russell westbrook in the clutch pic.twitter.com/ojBMJoVY8X
— Rin (@okarinsgate) November 5, 2021
Russell Westbrook always with the clutch plays for the oppenent when the games on the line smh #OKCvsLAL
— Kev (Rambling bout Arcane and LIS still) (@breakingdead1) November 5, 2021
I’ll say it again Russell Westbrook is the dumbest player in the clutch
— Chris 🫵🏾 (@chrisedmundo) November 11, 2021
Russell Westbrook is 8/43 (18%) on clutch 3’s since 2016-2017. pic.twitter.com/OZDmR81AiC
— The Heaviest 🦍 (@G0HeadYung) November 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/EarnYourRanks/status/1458894556951453699
russ actually clutch??? pic.twitter.com/TprE28msrj
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) November 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/God_of_Bryson/status/1458894328273813509
Russell Westbrook two clutch shots in the last 2 minutes! Did not think I'd be tweeting that 🤣
— Double Coverage (@DblCoverage_) November 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/Juwan_Gosha/status/1456583296809328646
As long as Russell Westbrook thinks he is the person who should be taking clutch last second shots during a tie game, this team is gonna bury themselves #Lakers
— Mike Slang (@60fora60) November 11, 2021
Westbrook is a two-time scoring champion and has led the league in assists on three occasions. He has a career average of 23.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 8.6 assists while shooting 43.7% from the field.
The 2017 MVP joined the Lakers in the 2021 offseason to help their championship pursuit but is performing below expectations so far. He is averaging 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, and 9.1 rebounds while shooting a career-low 41.6% from the field.
