The Dagger: The agonizing reality of Westbrook

Russell Westbrook’s season ended Wednesday night similar to the way it has the past five years and most of his career – record-breaking with no championship. 

Westbrook and the Wizards lost 4-1 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs. The Wizards likely wouldn’t have won a game if 76ers’ star Joel Embiid played Game 4 – signifying the Wizards really had no chance. 

But Washington deserved approbation for going 15-5 in its last 20 games of the regular season and clinching the eighth seed after competing in a tough play-in tournament. 

Is that it, though? After 13 years of a stellar career, is that all Westbrook gets? Applause? 

Well, yes. And frankly, Westbrook – ever the star – wouldn’t have it any other way. 

After another disappointing playoff exit, Westbrook’s legacy neither improved or worsened. The loss, however, signified it’s unlikely he’ll ever change his legacy as a player who prioritizes individual success over winning a championship. 

Westbrook had yet another historic season. He notched his 182nd career triple double, breaking Oscar Robertson’s 47-year-old record. He also passed Jason Kidd on the all-time list for playoff triple doubles, earning his twelfth in the Wizard’s Game 4 victory. 

His achievements – while amazing – are not surprising. And are frankly trite at this point in Westbrook’s career. Westbrook has already established he is great – that he is a future hall-of-famer.

But what’s next? Does he continue to play to shatter records or win? 

Westbrook’s wife, Nina, recently took issue with famed sports commentator Stephen A. Smith’s criticism of Westbrook after he broke Robertson’s record. Smith said he didn’t care about the accomplishment because the Wizards weren’t going anywhere. Smith added he wished Westbrook would use his competitive fire to become a better shooter and not having a championship must hurt him. 

Nina Westbrook responded on Instagram by saying not having a championship doesn’t hurt her husband “a lot” and he is the happiest he has ever been. He’s a champion of life and of his people, she said. 

But it must hurt a little. Westbrook is the ultimate competitor and his win-at-all-costs style of play suggests he would be the type to toss and turn in his sleep over not winning a title. 

But maybe he isn’t.  Maybe he’s satisfied with breaking records, early playoff exits and knowing he always gave his best effort when competing. 

That may be enough for him – which is all that really matters. 

But for fans, it’s hurtful to know such a wonderful talent who never cheats the game will possibly never win a championship. 

Shame.