After the loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, Russell Westbrook spent the rest of his evening working on his craft. In true professional fashion, Westbrook worked on his jumper and was determined to get that game out of his system. In all reality, Westbrook doesn’t need to shoot after games to get over a bad outing especially when you’re an NBA MVP. Westbrook getting a late night session in just proves his leadership and the fact that he wants to lead by example. Russell Westbrook has done things his way and has grown over the years as a leader and professional. The Thunder back up Russell Westbrook and his teammates do as well and the fact he’s in the gym working on his game daily should be added motivation for anyone who appreciates his game.

The Thunder took on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena and Russell Westbrook put on one of the best performances in his career. Russell finished with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and 15 assists for his 3rd triple-double of the season. While getting his 3rd triple-double of the season Westbrook made history as well notching his 107th of his career tying Jason Kidd for 3rd All Time. Westbrook played within the game and let his game do the talking tonight. Westbrook was able to find his teammates in their sweet spots and was able to get into his sweet spot on the court as well. Russell Westbrook was matched up against Collin Sexton the very aggressive rookie and took him to the post. There is no guard in the league that can defend Russell Westbrook when he’s on the block and he was able to take advantage of the Cavs defense anyway he wanted too.

The Cavs would try to double-team Westbrook and Russ made them pay by getting it to Jerami Grant. The Cavs had no answer for Jerami Grant as he was able to beat them on backdoor cuts all night long. This was a huge step for Jerami Grant because he was able to see his 3 point shot go down and he also was able to get to the rim whenever he wanted tonight. Grant finished the game one point shy of his career high with 21 points and 5 rebounds. This stretch for the Thunder has been great as a unit with Billy Donovan switching up lineups this has made other step up and get some added minutes. One of those players that have stepped up his game and made the most of those minutes has been has been Deonte Burton. Paul George said “Te is just a baller” and that’s exactly what he’s been for this team. When Burton comes in the game he brings that energy and intensity on both ends of the floor and doesn’t back down from anyone. Burton has been very big for the Thunder because he stretches the floor and also can attack the defense with ease off the perimeter. Paul George was in foul trouble all night and still managed to have 18 points on the night. The referees were calling the game a little too tight and it showed with PG only playing 24 minutes. When Paul George gets to play his game he’s one of the top two way players and he would have been able to stop Sexton tonight a little bit.

The Cavaliers rookie Collin Sexton had his hands full trying to guard Russell Westbrook tonight but was able to still get 21 points. Sexton showed a lot of heart and grit out there tonight and didn’t give up. When Sexton gets some more experience in this league and can continue to work on his offensive game he’s going to be special. Jordan Clarkson was the one player that was able to help Sexton tonight as he scored 25 points off the bench. Jordan knows how to get some big-time buckets in big moments but wasn’t able to do enough to get the Cavs the victory on the road. The Thunder had a huge win tonight and didn’t let anything get in the way of this victory. When you shoot 48% from the field and have a dominant player like Russell Westbrook leading the charge it’s going to be a long night for any team.

This Thunder team will try to continue this great play against the Hawks on Friday as Trae Young comes back home to play his hometown team.

Photo Credit: Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images