Raptors star Fred VanVleet took a subtle shot at Russell Westbrook after his team’s win over the Thunder last night. After winning, he said “I knew we were going to come out here and put up some numbers,” which is apparently an insult in Oklahoma City. It was all in good fun, but it sparked a heated war of words that continues into today as fans on both sides defend their stars.
Fred VanVleet, the Toronto Raptors point guard, took a subtle shot at Russell Westbrook after his team’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The comment was made in response to an article that stated that he would not be able to find success without Kevin Durant on the court.
Russell Westbrook, the great point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has become synonymous with the triple-double stat line. Westbrook’s all-around performance has helped him seal his position in NBA history. It also led to a subtle verbal punch from Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet.
The ascension of Russell Westbrook to NBA superstardom
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Westbrook came into the league as a young player out of UCLA who flashed star potential.
He rapidly learned how to play point guard and developed into one of the most dynamic playmakers on the team. Westbrook grew into a true superstar as a result of his outstanding all-around performance. In his first season with the Oklahoma City Thunder without Kevin Durant, he won his lone MVP title.
He’s been named to nine All-Star teams, nine All-NBA Teams (two First Team, seven Second Team, and two Third Team), and has twice led the league in scoring and three times in assists. After surpassing Oscar Robertson as the all-time leader in the category, Westbrook became associated with the triple-double stat line.
The top point guard’s obsession with triple-doubles led a teammate to verbally attack him.
After taking a veiled jab at Russell Westbrook, Fred VanVleet doesn’t hold back.
“My teammates aren’t treating me like [Russell] Westbrook, who gets out of the way and lets me go grab it.”
Fred VanVleet criticizes his teammates for failing to assist him in completing the triple-double. pic.twitter.com/BcM6nnCi39
December 19, 2021 — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport)
Westbrook has been synonymous with triple-doubles throughout the years.
It’s also created a reputation around him because of his alleged drive to put up triple-double numbers every night. Following his all-around performance of 27 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds in Saturday’s victory against the Golden State Warriors, Raptors guard Fred VanVleet took a verbal jab at Westbrook.
VanVleet, who has never had a triple-double in his career, stated, “I had to be a bit more selfish.” “I believe I could get them if I tried for a triple-double.” I can’t seem to bring myself to hunt it the way I need to every time I get near. My teammates don’t treat me like Russell Westbrook, who gets out of the way, so I’ll have to speak to them about it.”
The Wichita State product has grown into one of the best guards in the game. Despite joining the league as an undrafted free agent, his efforts won him respect as a legitimate backcourt player and a four-year, $85 million contract.
Westbrook gets rebounds that his teammates would normally receive, according to VanVleet. There were times during his stint with the Thunder when it looked like his teammates went out of their way to help him get a few extra rebounds.
Since then, Westbrook has struggled to overcome the bad perception of his playing style. VanVleet probably intended it as a joke, but he won’t be getting any warm encounters from the Lakers’ star point guard.
With the Lakers, they’re aiming for the NBA championship.
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Westbrook’s first season with the Lakers has had its bumps, but he’s settling in with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The 33-year-old has persevered through difficult periods in which he has battled with decision-making, pressing the problem to find a solution. Westbrook is averaging 19.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds in 30 games, shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 31.9 percent from outside the arc.
He has 13 double-doubles and five triple-doubles to his credit. Due to the injuries to James and Davis, his position continues to shift. With Davis projected to miss at least the next four weeks due to a damaged MCL in his left knee, Westbrook’s position will take on more offensive responsibilities.
The Lakers need Westbrook to become a more trustworthy third option who can help them go ahead when James and Davis aren’t available. Although there is still a lot of regular season left, the Los Angeles Lakers need their star point guard to become a major impact if they are to challenge for an NBA championship.
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