The Wizards qualified for the NBA’s inaugural play-in tournament based on their 120–105 win over the Cavaliers on Friday.
And they can thank Russell Westbrook for getting there.
With Bradley Beal sidelined for the third consecutive game, it fell to Westbrook to lift the load against Cleveland. Westbrook was ready for the task, posting 21 points, 12 rebounds and 17 assists in a team-high 40 minutes.
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It was Westbrook’s seventh game in a row of at least 15 assists, a feat that has been performed by only two Hall of Famers: John Stockton and Isiah Thomas.
Westbrook’s breakout in the second half of the season is a big reason the Wizards have made notable appearances in the play-in tournament. In early April, the team was 17–32 and seemed to be en route to another lottery pick.
The Wizards have gone 16-6 in their last 22 matches to move up to 10th in the East. Westbrook has been the catalyst, averaging 23.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 14.1 assists per game over that period.
And if the Wizards want to make an unexpected noise in the playoffs, they will have to continue their high-powered game.
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