Russell Westbrook Crowned All-Star Game MVP

Photo Credit: Bob Donnan – USA Today Sports

Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook was named the 2015 NBA All-Star MVP Sunday after an outstanding performance. Westbrook finished the game with an impressive 41 points, five rebounds, one assist and three steals.

These numbers are pretty common for the All-Star, but in a game like this, those numbers are extraordinary. Due to Westbrook’s leadership and hustle, his outstanding effort was noted, as they gave him the MVP honors. This is the first time in his five All-Star appearances that Westbrook was named the MVP.

Westbrook played 26 minutes while teammate and reigning NBA MVP, Kevin Durant, only played 10 minutes after being moved to the bench as Portland center LaMarcus Aldridge took his starting position. Western Conference coach Steve Kerr made the decision to bench Durant shortly after the game because he “changed his mind.” Durant finished with three points and three rebounds in the team’s loss. Aldridge finished with 17 points in 18 minutes. 

Westbrook set a new NBA record with 27 points in the first half and was one point shy of the record for total game points, set by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain, with 42. Westbrook has been in the  MVP race throughout the season and this performance was a very good opportunity for him to showcase his talent.

The record-setting performance boosted his MVP candidacy and will provide an extra boost in motivation for Oklahoma City’s rough start. This award will boost the team’s confidence going through the rest of the season and will provide them with hope as they fight for a playoff spot.