Russell Westbrook only needed three quarters to get his first triple-double as a Washington Wizard, but he will have to wait a little longer to get his first win.
The All-Star point guard debuted in Washington in the typical Westbrook fashion with 21 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds. But that was not enough to ruin Doc Rivers’ debut in Philadelphia as the Sixers won 113-107 over the Wizards in Philadelphia.
Westbrook, who was traded with John Wall before training camp, became just the sixth player in NBA history with a triple-double in his team debut, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
The point guard had 13 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds at the end of the third quarter, becoming the first player to triple-double in the first three quarters of his team’s season opener in the last 25 seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information Research. Denver’s Nikola Jokic then duplicated the feat later on Wednesday night as he also had a triple-double through three quarters.
However, this is a familiar area for Westbrook, who now have 45 triple-double careers through three quarters – almost four times as many as any other player over the last 25 seasons.
Westbrook still did not get what he really wanted – his first win with the Wizards.
“Not good enough,” Westbrook said of his performance. “Honestly, I’m a little disappointed in myself, just some mishaps and games where I could have been better.
“I don’t like losing. At any point in my career, I love going out and winning the game. I’ll get better next game.”
Westbrook shot 9-for-22 and missed both of his 3-point attempts. But new backcourt buddy Bradley Beal scored 31 points and had four steals.
The Wizards said they felt Westbrook’s intensity and competitiveness right from the start of the camp. But finally, Beal got to see and feel it in a real game.
“I love it,” Beal said. “Admittedly, it’s just a game, but I just love his energy, his competitiveness and his responsibility at the end of the day. I think that’s what I love most about him. I’m the type of guy I’m. want responsibility, I want someone to light a fire under me and for someone to tell me what I’m doing wrong.
“We keep that standard. I think Russ makes it a high, high level. I think it’s necessary. It’s a direct transfer to the rest of the team. He brings the energy, he sets the tone, and we supply by Hi M. “
Westbrook and Beal had six turnovers each, and Washington committed a total of 20 turnovers as Philadelphia scored 40 points in the fourth quarter to pull away.
After the loss, Westbrook said he would study films by Beal to learn more about the dynamic scoring guard.
“He’s really, really good,” Westbrook said. “Not only by scoring the basketball, but also by creating space and getting to his spots. When I watch movies, once I get on this plane, I want to learn and see how I can be able to help him. , make the game easier for him as we follow this journey.
“This is the first of many [games], so we have to make sure I have to make sure I can make the game easier for him along the way. “