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Inside The Wizards

Russell Westbrook's Greatest Moments as a Wizards Player

With Russell Westbrook retiring, let's take a look at his most iconic moments with the Washington Wizards.
May 16, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

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Why not? That is the motto Russell Westbrook lived by during his NBA career. Why not go and smash records people thought were impossible? Why not go out and win an MVP trophy? Why not continuously leave people in awe every single night? To put it simply, Westbrook will go down as one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game, and thankfully the Washington Wizards played a role in that. Here are Westbrook's greatest moments in a Wizards jersey.

January 31, 2021: Comeback Against the Brooklyn Nets

Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook
Jan 31, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) celebrates with teammates after making the go ahead the go ahead three point field goal against the Brooklyn Nets in the final seconds in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

With the Wizards getting off to a rough start, Westbrook had other thoughts on how people thought the game would play out. Down by five points with 10 seconds left, it seemed like the Nets won this one. Then Westbrook happened. After Bradley Beal made the shot to make it a two-point game, the Wizards stole the inbound, where Westbrook put up the three to retake the lead with three seconds left. Westbrook would finish with 41 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.

April 21, 2021: Masterclass Against the Golden State Warriors

This was a vintage game from Westbrook. Playing against one of his biggest rivals in Steph Curry, he decided to put on a show. The Brodie would only finish with 14 points, but tally an impressive 10 assists and 20 rebounds. Although the scoring doesn't show it, he controlled the offense for the Wizards the entire game.

May 20, 2021: Play-In Against the Indiana Pacers

In the game to make the playoffs, Westbrook helped destroy the Indiana Pacers at home. A win-or-go-home game, and the triple-double king showed why he is one of the greats. His 18 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists helped the Wizards dominate this game, winning 142-115, and then go on to face the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.

May 10, 2021: Breaking the Triple-Double Record

Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook
May 14, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) is presented with a ceremonial jersey by owner Ted Leonsis prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

Probably the most iconic moment of his Washington tenure, and one that will be framed in the Hall of Fame. The night Westbrook became the all-time leader in triple-doubles was one that fans will always remember. He did what was thought to be impossible for decades. Everyone thought, "No one can ever beat Oscar Robertson's record; it will never be done." Russ took that personally, and proved everyone wrong. He showed that nothing is truly impossible.

Just Being Russell Westbrook

Most importantly, Russ was always himself no matter what. There will never be another player who plays with so much passion and energy. Every time he threw down a dunk, it was like the rim owed him money. He would punish it, like it just talked bad about him. No player will ever invoke the kind of emotion he left on the court. This was his greatest moment not just as a Wizard, but as a player. An inspiration to so many young kids watching the game, wanting to be just like Russ. So who better to leave a lasting impact on the game? Why not him?

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Published | Modified
Bryson Akins
BRYSON AKINS

Bryson Akins is a writer for the Wizards on Sports Illustrated. Akins graduated from Emerson College in the spring of 2025, the same school Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins attended. Some of Akins' past work includes covering the Thunder on Last Word on Sports, along with his YouTube channel "Thunder Digest." Bryson's favorite memory watching the Wizards are the hard screens center Marcin Gortat would set.