Russell Westbrook has officially retired from the NBA after an incredible 18-season career. One of the most electrifying and memorable point guards in recent basketball history, on August 12th 2026, bye-bye.
For Filipino basketball fans, Westbrook’s legacy is more than stats. The intensity, athleticism and legendary mentality made him loved in many NBA courts as basketball is part of the culture of everyday sports in the Philippines
1. The 50-Point Game-Winner Against Denver
His most memorable game was played with the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 9, 2017, against the Denver Nuggets. Westbrook had a triple-double of 50 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists with one of the most spectacular triple-doubles in NBA history.
He also took over Oscar Robertson’s season-long single season triple-double record, holding it with 42. The highlight of the games was filled with even more memorable moments as Westbrook grabbed a buzzer beating 36-plus-foot shot to help the Oklahoma City Thunder win.
2. Winning the 2017 NBA MVP Award
Westbrook’s 2016-17 season will stand out as one of his most hallowed seasons of his career. Upon the departure of Kevin Durant, the Thunder’s top point scorer, Westbrook stepped up by playing an average of 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game.
He was only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a full season. He made a big splash with Filipino fans and his painstaking step from established star to undisputed Thunder leader.
3. Oscar Robertson’s Triple-Double Record
Westbrook broke history once again on May 10, 2021. Playing against the Atlanta Hawks, he scored his 182nd career triple-double, beating Oscar Robertson’s mark of 181.
The highlight proved Westbrook’s triple-double dominance wasn’t a fluke a single-season. In the end, he also posted a total of 4 times posting a triple-double season average.
4. Reaching 200 Career Triple-Doubles
Then Westbrook was in the record books again, as the first player in NBA history to amass 200 career triple-doubles. He ended his career with a total of 209 triple-doubles in the regular season, well clear of the rest of the pack.
He had the ability to score, rebound and play at the same time and he also had an eye for the bucket, which made him quite the physical power amongst his peers. He was 6-foot-3, with a special knack for rebounding.
5. The Lakers Era and “Why Not?” Legacy
The addition of Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers team in 2021 made him one of the most-watched teams in the Philippines. His stint at Lax had a mixed bag, but Filipino fans had him under constant surveillance during his time in L.A.
His impact wasn’t limited to the court, he also created a Jordan sneaker line. The shoes came in from the Philippines and were widely adopted by young guards and basketball players, thus adding to the impact and legacy of Westbrook in the local basketball environment.
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Westbrook’s Lasting NBA Legacy
Westbrook is now the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles (209) alongside 27,176 points, 10,351 assists, 2,038 steals and nine All-Star selections. His 2017 MVP is the highlight of a career that has been remarkable for his own playing.
FAQs
When Russell Westbrook announced retirement?
On August 12, 2026, Russell Westbrook officially notified the NBA of his retirement.
Was Russell Westbrook a “winner” of an MVP?
Yes. Averaging a triple-double to win the 2017 NBA MVP Award, he has been averaging a triple-double that season.
What is the biggest achievement of Russell Westbrook?
He has added a number of things to the sport, most notably becoming the first NBA player to have more than 200 career triple doubles, surpassing Oscar Robertson’s record of three.
