OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook soaked in all he had accomplished this season, with a little help from Oscar Robertson.
Westbrook broke Robertson's single-season record for triple-doubles by getting his 42nd on Sunday against the Denver Nuggets. Robertson attended Wednesday's game between Oklahoma City and Denver as part of the Thunder's effort to honor Westbrook for his record-setting season. Robertson congratulated Westbrook, and at the end of a short speech, he got the crowd fired up with an endorsement.
"I only have one more thing to say: M-V-P!! " Robertson said, triggering a loud ovation.
Westbrook only played the first half of Oklahoma City's 111-105 loss Wednesday night, but because of the unique circumstances, he was in a good mood after the game. He said Robertson's presence was meaningful.
"That's obviously an unbelievable honor," he said. "Overall, just having him here is a blessing in itself. It was something I could never dream about, especially to have the Big O here in Oklahoma City."
Westbrook was on pace for another triple-double at halftime with eight assists, five points and five rebounds in 18 minutes before Donovan decided to rest him for the second half.
Nikola Jokic finished with 29 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists for the Nuggets, who beat the Thunder for the first time in four tries this season.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone on Denver finishing the season strong: "The fact that we were 5-2 in our last seven games speaks directly to our guys understanding the pressure of the games we were playing, and even after that devastating loss at home (Sunday) to Oklahoma City, we still had a job to do."
Jerami Grant and Taj Gibson each scored 13 points for the Thunder, who will play the Houston Rockets on Sunday night in Game 1 of their playoff series.
TIP-INS
Nuggets: F Danilo Gallinari (rest), F Will Barton (left foot soreness), F Kenneth Faried (lower back), G Gary Harris (knee), G Jameer Nelson (right calf strain) and F Wilson Chandler (coach's decision) did not play.
Thunder: Westbrook went 1 for 7 in the first quarter, but the Thunder still led 26-25. ... G Alex Abrines broke James Harden's Oklahoma City rookie record for 3-pointers in a season. ... F Andre Roberson (rest) and F Doug McDermott (knee) sat out. Donovan said McDermott could have played if needed.
STAT LINES
Westbrook averaged better than 30 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists this season. The last player to average 30 points and 10 rebounds was Karl Malone in 1989-90. The last to average 30 points and 10 assists was Nate Archibald in 1972-73.
