On April 2 in 2019, Russell Westbrook became only the second player in NBA history to record a 20-20-20 triple-double after Wilt Chamberlain (22 points, 25 rebounds, 21 assists) previously did it in 1968.
In a comfortable 119-103 win against the Los Angeles Lakers, the former MVP finished with 20 points, 20 rebounds (career-high), 21 assists, and three steals in 37 minutes of action.
After the game, in the post-game interview, Westbrook dedicated his performance (20+20+20) to his friend Nipsey Hussle - a Los Angeles rapper/musician who was shot and killed a couple of days prior.
"That wasn't for me," Westbrook said. "That's for my bro, Nipsey man. 20+20+20. They know what that means. R.I.P., Nipsey man."
Historic night for Russell Westbrook.
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 3, 2019
20 points // 20 rebounds // 21 assists pic.twitter.com/T3tVWiOIvK
Other notable events on April 2
- In 1975, Bob McAdoo, of the Buffalo Braves was named league MVP for the 1974-75 season with averages of 34.5 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 2.12 blocks per game, while shooting 51.2 percent from the field.
- In 1993, Mark Price, of the Cleveland Cavaliers had his consecutive free-throw streak broken at 77. That fell one short of the then-NBA record of 78 held by Calvin Murphy, which was later broken by Minnesota's Micheal Williams (97) at the close of the 1992-93 season and the beginning of the 1993-94 season.
- In 1998, Shaquille O'Neal scored 50 points (18-of-26 FG) in a comfortable 117-106 victory over the New Jersey Nets. This was O'Neal's second 50-point game of his career and the first as a Laker.
- In 2013, Carmelo Anthony went off for a career-high 50 points against the Miami Heat in a 102-90 victory, marking the first time he had scored 50 or more in his career. A year later, he went off for 62 points against the Charlotte Bobcats at the Madison Square Garden.
Buzzer Beaters on April 2
Ramon Sessions vs. Washington Wizards - 2009
Adrian Dantley vs. Miami Heat - 1998
World B. Free vs. Washington Bullets - 1976
Jerry West vs. St. Louis Hawks - 1963 (Game 2 of West Division Finals)
The views expressed here do not represent those of the NBA or its clubs.