2025 NBA Season

[Xenrise]

Since it's another day in the league, I just want to open up a topic for you guys.

Recently Russell Westbrook got 20, 21, 20 stats. 20 points, 21 assist, 20 rebounds. The last person to do this was Wilt Chamberlain. What do you think of this?

I guess that Russ is always just chasing stats and I think that this mentality could hurt to team. But at least right now, it's a little bit low key that he is giving ball to Paul George. It's better for him to stop stat chasing for the sake of winning.

[peter0425]

Since it's another day in the league, I just want to open up a topic for you guys.

Recently Russell Westbrook got 20, 21, 20 stats. 20 points, 21 assist, 20 rebounds. The last person to do this was Wilt Chamberlain. What do you think of this?

I guess that Russ is always just chasing stats and I think that this mentality could hurt to team. But at least right now, it's a little bit low key that he is giving ball to Paul George. It's better for him to stop stat chasing for the sake of winning.

Yes, the usual Russ that we all know of. I haven't seen the match though, but it looks like stat padding again. We have seen him grabbing rebounds from his team mates to get that stat and looking for them to shoot specially if he attacks the basket. Nothing spectacular here.

[Kasabus]

Since it's another day in the league, I just want to open up a topic for you guys.

Recently Russell Westbrook got 20, 21, 20 stats. 20 points, 21 assist, 20 rebounds. The last person to do this was Wilt Chamberlain. What do you think of this?

I guess that Russ is always just chasing stats and I think that this mentality could hurt to team. But at least right now, it's a little bit low key that he is giving ball to Paul George. It's better for him to stop stat chasing for the sake of winning.

Yes, the usual Russ that we all know of. I haven't seen the match though, but it looks like stat padding again. We have seen him grabbing rebounds from his team mates to get that stat and looking for them to shoot specially if he attacks the basket. Nothing spectacular here.

This is not surprising to westbrook, his stat padding cost them a lot of games.
They are in the playoffs but they slide very hard just standing now in the last spot of the bracket, he needs to share the ball and shoot well.
Rebounding is not his job, he needs to conserve his energy, he was once an MVP, there is nothing to prove anymore.

[Xenrise]

This is not surprising to westbrook, his stat padding cost them a lot of games.
They are in the playoffs but they slide very hard just standing now in the last spot of the bracket, he needs to share the ball and shoot well.
Rebounding is not his job, he needs to conserve his energy, he was once an MVP, there is nothing to prove anymore.

I agree. You know what, the OKC had 3 MVPs in this league. But, they kept the worst one lol. No hard feelings for WB fans. Just trying to be realistic here. He should stop his stat padding so he can win more games :/.

Yes, the usual Russ that we all know of. I haven't seen the match though, but it looks like stat padding again. We have seen him grabbing rebounds from his team mates to get that stat and looking for them to shoot specially if he attacks the basket. Nothing spectacular here.

Stat-wise it's great but not team-wise though.

[mirakal]

I am an NBA fan and IMO, James Harden't style is more effective the Westbrook.
This season, there's chance that James Harden will be once again proclaim as MVP, he had less off nights than Giannis and he scores a lot.
Westbrook though can record triple double many times but it was PG who has make his team more competitive.

This is not surprising to westbrook, his stat padding cost them a lot of games.
They are in the playoffs but they slide very hard just standing now in the last spot of the bracket, he needs to share the ball and shoot well.
Rebounding is not his job, he needs to conserve his energy, he was once an MVP, there is nothing to prove anymore.

I agree. You know what, the OKC had 3 MVPs in this league. But, they kept the worst one lol. No hard feelings for WB fans. Just trying to be realistic here. He should stop his stat padding so he can win more games :/.

[wuvdoll]

There is just couple of games left and not because it would change anything but Lebron playing couple more games wouldn't have that much injury risk too. I think the problem is he came back from the injury way to early and he pushed himself but didn't really had the mindset for a playoff run, the injury bothered him and instead of being a leader he just went out and did what he could and shut himself down.

This Lakers team obviously was not rostered around Lebron properly without any decent shooters but at least it was a good year to see whats wrong with Lakers and how it could be improved properly. Now that we know whats wrong with Lebron and the Lakers roster they can do more moves this summer to get him some help the way he wants and Lebron will rest and as always take care of his body well and comeback much much better next year.

[morvillz7z]

This season, there's chance that James Harden will be once again proclaim as MVP, he had less off nights than Giannis and he scores a lot.

Giannis has played in 70 games this season, Harden has 74.

I would like to ask all James Harden's MVP cheerleaders out there, where was he the first two and half months of the season? The time when Rockets where a bottom 4 team in the west. That's quite a lot of "off nights".

[Oasisman]

Good job from Mavericks defeating the Thunder without Luka.
Talking about Luka, he's undoubtedly a sensational rookie. Im just too concerned if he could keep the pace for the ROTY against Trae Young. I mean Trae has been consistently becoming a monster in the NBA while he's still on his rookie year. While, Luka has been struggling in terms of 3 point fg percentage.
I would really love to see Luka win the ROTY.

The kid's still young so don't be too quick on his struggle with 3-pter.

Nope, I didnt criticize him for shooting a low percentage 3 pt attempts in the long run. What I was trying to point out is how he would handle the tight competition to win the ROTY award (Rookie Of The Year) against Trae Young this year. Of course, I know he still have all the time to improve that area.

The word struggle only applies to those who does not contribute to the team, Luka has become a main man of the team on his rookie year and that is a lot of responsibility of the young player like him, but he was able to embrace his rule and give his best.

The word "struggle" isnt only limited to those who has not contributed to the team. We all know what he's capable of, we all he's the main man with the Mavs team, but I used the word "struggle" to specify certain area where he's not doing well. Again, I didnt take away how much he have contributed to the team, I only specified the area where he's not good yet, which is the 3pt shooting. Because that'll somehow be a factor to win the ROTY. Neverhless, Im rooting for him to get that award.

[Ranly123]

This season, there's chance that James Harden will be once again proclaim as MVP, he had less off nights than Giannis and he scores a lot.

Giannis has played in 70 games this season, Harden has 74.

I would like to ask all James Harden's MVP cheerleaders out there, where was he the first two and half months of the season? The time when Rockets where a bottom 4 team in the west. That's quite a lot of "off nights".

No matter how you look at it, James Harden deserves to be called for an mvp award this season. So asking you, where would the rockets be right now if Harden did not play like he used to play right now. I can say he is phenomenal this season eventhough he is a ball hugger.

[Malsetid]

This season, there's chance that James Harden will be once again proclaim as MVP, he had less off nights than Giannis and he scores a lot.

Giannis has played in 70 games this season, Harden has 74.

I would like to ask all James Harden's MVP cheerleaders out there, where was he the first two and half months of the season? The time when Rockets where a bottom 4 team in the west. That's quite a lot of "off nights".

No matter how you look at it, James Harden deserves to be called for an mvp award this season. So asking you, where would the rockets be right now if Harden did not play like he used to play right now. I can say he is phenomenal this season eventhough he is a ball hugger.

It's given that he scores a lot. With all the chances he gets each and every game, and with his undeniable scoring talent, he's bound to get those points day in and day out. But i'd give my vote to giannis here. The guy lets the game come to him. And he could be a very dominant player the longer the season goes. And though it's just between these two for now, i'd also like to toss in paul george who's having a great season as well. That's even with a statpadder like russ as the alternate option for his team.

[harizen]

Most Westbrook haters will say that he is "stat padding" that's why he able to reached another record in his career.

Maybe YES at some of the games at cases but pointing to their recent game against the Lakers...

...he made 20 points, 20 rebs, 21 assist and people called that as stat padding the whole game? Didn't they realized that even for a stat padding purposes, that was hell difficult to achieved even against a below average team and for a superstar. Patience does matter here and pointing to assist, not all the time your dishes will result into successful shot of your teammates. It needs cooperation and teamwork.

Learn to appreciate what he did.

Looks like those guys didn't watched the whole game.

[spadormie]

This season, there's chance that James Harden will be once again proclaim as MVP, he had less off nights than Giannis and he scores a lot.

Giannis has played in 70 games this season, Harden has 74.

I would like to ask all James Harden's MVP cheerleaders out there, where was he the first two and half months of the season? The time when Rockets where a bottom 4 team in the west. That's quite a lot of "off nights".

No matter how you look at it, James Harden deserves to be called for an mvp award this season. So asking you, where would the rockets be right now if Harden did not play like he used to play right now. I can say he is phenomenal this season eventhough he is a ball hugger.

James Harden as the MVP for this season? Really? A person with 40.6 usage rate? He'll not win the MVP this season I think it'll be Giannis or PG to win the MVP award. I like James Harden, he's carrying the rockets. He's really doing some heavy liftings, including his team. And the next point leaders in the team is Clint with 15.5PPG IIRC.

[FanEagle]

Bringing Lebron is ALWAYS a profitable business, you do not pay lebron CLOSE to what he brings you because there is a cap, he is much much bigger than the cap allows him to be, Kobe for example made LA Lakers around 200+ million dollars on his farewell tour, everyone wanted to see him play one last time and just his last game and ceremony made about 10 million dollars for the Lakers.

Some players deserve their money and than some but that is not possible so you pay them the max, maybe basketball wise Lebron didn't play a max contract 30+ million dollar year but when you drop it down to business he profited the Lakers money. Lakers already make a ton of profit even while losing a lot of games, it is Lakers and of course they are the second biggest profitable team in NBA but with Lebron they just make some more.

[Oilacris]

Since it's another day in the league, I just want to open up a topic for you guys.

Recently Russell Westbrook got 20, 21, 20 stats. 20 points, 21 assist, 20 rebounds. The last person to do this was Wilt Chamberlain. What do you think of this?

I guess that Russ is always just chasing stats and I think that this mentality could hurt to team. But at least right now, it's a little bit low key that he is giving ball to Paul George. It's better for him to stop stat chasing for the sake of winning.

Yes, the usual Russ that we all know of. I haven't seen the match though, but it looks like stat padding again. We have seen him grabbing rebounds from his team mates to get that stat and looking for them to shoot specially if he attacks the basket. Nothing spectacular here.

This is not surprising to westbrook, his stat padding cost them a lot of games.
They are in the playoffs but they slide very hard just standing now in the last spot of the bracket, he needs to share the ball and shoot well.
Rebounding is not his job, he needs to conserve his energy, he was once an MVP, there is nothing to prove anymore.

We do already get used to it and thats how Westbrook do play, chasing up stats without even minding others but well its his own gamestyle but in return or exchange it do affect the entire team.
Theres no need to prove out since he do already done such thing.

[Reid]

Most Westbrook haters will say that he is "stat padding" that's why he able to reached another record in his career.

Maybe YES at some of the games at cases but pointing to their recent game against the Lakers...

...he made 20 points, 20 rebs, 21 assist and people called that as stat padding the whole game? Didn't they realized that even for a stat padding purposes, that was hell difficult to achieved even against a below average team and for a superstar. Patience does matter here and pointing to assist, not all the time your dishes will result into successful shot of your teammates. It needs cooperation and teamwork.

Learn to appreciate what he did.

Looks like those guys didn't watched the whole game.

Or too much for youtube "analyzers".

They watch too much replays of Westbrook's games which only looks at the bad side of him.
What you said is true. They do not appreciate it also because of his acts.
But let us put that aside and look at him as a basketball player.

One more thing is you cannot just create some assist like that.
He does fast break for an alley-oop to Adams. He sacrifices his body to absorb another defender then give space for his team mates so they could shoot the ball freely.

An assist relies on a team mate shooting skills and not just to the man who will pass the ball. He can always pass it to him for a lot of times but the question is can he shoot?
Try passing it to Shaq at freethrow line. Let us see if you will have an assist.  

But to sum it up. Westbrook is just too great. He moves everytime. He sees the whole floor. That is a skill that some players dont have.
That is also why he can make things possible.

I hated him before but I saw his effort. Just how many hours does this man practice everyday. Maybe more than a regular player.

If "stat hunting" was easy then everyone would do it.
But it took 52,768 games before someone could do it again.
The last 20-20-20 was Wilt Chamberlain at 1968.

[harizen]

Most Westbrook haters will say that he is "stat padding" that's why he able to reached another record in his career.

Maybe YES at some of the games at cases but pointing to their recent game against the Lakers...

...he made 20 points, 20 rebs, 21 assist and people called that as stat padding the whole game? Didn't they realized that even for a stat padding purposes, that was hell difficult to achieved even against a below average team and for a superstar. Patience does matter here and pointing to assist, not all the time your dishes will result into successful shot of your teammates. It needs cooperation and teamwork.

Learn to appreciate what he did.

Looks like those guys didn't watched the whole game.

Or too much for youtube "analyzers".

They watch too much replays of Westbrook's games which only looks at the bad side of him.
What you said is true. They do not appreciate it also because of his acts.
But let us put that aside and look at him as a basketball player.

One more thing is you cannot just create some assist like that.
He does fast break for an alley-oop to Adams. He sacrifices his body to absorb another defender then give space for his team mates so they could shoot the ball freely.

An assist relies on a team mate shooting skills and not just to the man who will pass the ball. He can always pass it to him for a lot of times but the question is can he shoot?
Try passing it to Shaq at freethrow line. Let us see if you will have an assist. 

But to sum it up. Westbrook is just too great. He moves everytime. He sees the whole floor. That is a skill that some players dont have.
That is also why he can make things possible.

I hated him before but I saw his effort. Just how many hours does this man practice everyday. Maybe more than a regular player.

20+ assist in a game is difficult to achieved. Like I said, it needs a team cooperation and not just Westbrook Westbrook Westbrook. If he really forced to stat padd his assist on that game against the Lakers, how the hell he even maintained to bucket 20+ points and grab several boards at the same time. Meaning he just go with the flow, the usual system and really didn't target that record on that game. Unexpected indeed.

Westbrook doesn't have much pure sharp shooter teammates on the floor (exclude PG) meaning to be able to ditch a successful assist he needs to find a teammate that knows how to position. That what's the whole team involvement is.

Don't just watch the replays of Westbrook grabbing rebounds against Steven Adams lol. In that recent game against the Lakers, he really played well. No doubt about that.

Not a Westbrook fan but I able to watched their recent game that's why I appreciate what he did.

[Xenrise]

Or too much for youtube "analyzers".

They watch too much replays of Westbrook's games which only looks at the bad side of him.
What you said is true. They do not appreciate it also because of his acts.
But let us put that aside and look at him as a basketball player.

I believe so, I watch a lot of youtube videos saying that Westbrook will never win a title if he continue to stat pad. I want to clear out that I'm not a Westbrook fan nor a Westbrook hater. Or maybe I was just brainwashed by the youtube videos I watched. I like some of his plays I don't like some of it(especially the stat pad). Having Westbrook in your team is like having a beast. He can the players on the court of the enemy team as his defender because he's that great, he's a great finisher, great athleticism. He's a mid range game, I don't know about having a consistent three point game. If you will take a look at the stats, Westbrook rebounds many ball that was not contested. Although he struggles at the start of the 2018-2019 season, he made a comeback eventually.  Here are some of the stat pad he did:

Yes he steal rebounds but, his teammates supports him as a triple double machine. So they let him get the rebound(defense). And Steven Adams well he recovers his rebounding stats by rebounding at the offensive end.

Next is he is stat padding his assists there was a game when Russ wanted 1 more assist, he shouted at Steven Adams to shoot the ball because Adams did not shoot the ball. It so funny that KD and Curry laugh about what happened. The positive thing in here I think he is making PG a catch and shoot player even when Melo last season.
 
Russell Westbrook is a great player no doubt about that. He has the unique intensity when it comes to the court, but there were some time that he's just chasing stats. One trivia about Russ do you know why Russ is always angry? Do you know Khelcy Bars III? He was Russ best friend when they were in high school. He also is the best player on the team that time, Russ wasn't that good that time. But, his friend died because his friend collapse during a game. And, when Russ found out that his friend is dead, he said that he will never back down just like his friend was doing. Spending many hours in the gym. So, Russ said that he will give 100% on every game since you never know what will happen the next day. So Russ is playing as a 2 player.

Don't just watch the replays of Westbrook grabbing rebounds against Steven Adams lol. In that recent game against the Lakers, he really played well. No doubt about that.

I'm watching all games of different teams in the NBA whenever there is a telecast. I'm not just watching replays on how he rebounds or something, I'm watching the whole game itself.

I repeat, I'm not a Westbrook fan nor a Westbrook hater. . Just stating what I know. I'm having fun having a discussion with you guys lol.

[Sanitough]

We could be watching the same game but we have different opinion when it comes to westbrook.
Me, I believe he is stat padding, and I never hate a start in my life, so I don't hate westbrook, instead, I'm concern on his team as they have the talent but they cannot win if Westbrook will think more of himself than his team.

[peter0425]

This is not surprising to westbrook, his stat padding cost them a lot of games.
They are in the playoffs but they slide very hard just standing now in the last spot of the bracket, he needs to share the ball and shoot well.
Rebounding is not his job, he needs to conserve his energy, he was once an MVP, there is nothing to prove anymore.

I agree. You know what, the OKC had 3 MVPs in this league. But, they kept the worst one lol. No hard feelings for WB fans. Just trying to be realistic here. He should stop his stat padding so he can win more games :/.

Yes, the usual Russ that we all know of. I haven't seen the match though, but it looks like stat padding again. We have seen him grabbing rebounds from his team mates to get that stat and looking for them to shoot specially if he attacks the basket. Nothing spectacular here.

Stat-wise it's great but not team-wise though.

Right, didn't he won the MVP by breaking the record of Oscar Robertson record? So it's just a stat for him. But that season the team didn't go good. That's why championship is more important than individual awards, and I guess majority will agree on me.

[tanvir232]

NBA is unpredictable by its nature.no one  knows which teams playing possum for the rgular seasons and which stars will wilt when the intensity ratchets up.their is no way to be certain about matchup advantages,injurie, coach misfires.superstars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, defending champion Golden State Warriors have the best 2019 NBA championship.