Yardbarker
x
Russell Westbrook Makes NBA History in Nuggets-Clippers Game 7
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Game 7 between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers was supposed to be a close game. Except that it wasn't. 

The Clippers tried to keep this game close. They actually ended the first quarter with a 26-21 lead. Unfortunately for L.A., everything went downhill from there. 

The Nuggets blew the Clippers out of the water by outscoring them 72-40 in the second and third quarters. The game -- and the series -- was over even before the fourth quarter had started. 

Russell Westbrook played his part in the dominant win, as the former NBA MVP registered 16 points of 5-of-9 shooting, five rebounds, five assists, five steals and two triples in 27 minutes off the bench. 

Westbrook collected three offensive boards in this one, which allowed him to make a little bit of history on Saturday night.  

According to StatMamba, Westbrook now holds the record for the most offensive rebounds by a guard in Game 7s in the history of the NBA. 

On top of that, the nine-time All-Star also has the second-most steals in a Game 7 with five his five swipes on Saturday night. 

This speaks volumes about Westbrook's ability to impact the game from multiple facets, as well as his unbridled stat-stuffing prowess. 

The Nuggets, who were able to take down L.A. in Game 7 with a final score of 120-101, will now need Westbrook to keep his foot on the gas. They have a tough challenge ahead in the second round as they face off against the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Game 1 of that series will be on Monday in OKC.  

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!