Fansided

5 best performances of the 2016-17 NBA season

By Kareem Gantt

Jan 2, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb (3) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb (3) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams (15) guards Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder defeat the Suns 114-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams (15) guards Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder defeat the Suns 114-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Russell Westbrook — 26 points, 22 assists, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block vs. PHX

We told you that Russell Westbrook would make an appearance on this list.

If you haven’t been watching, then you have missed out on one of the best individual seasons in recent memory. Westbrook has become just the second player to average a triple-double for an entire season (Oscar Robertson was the first to achieve that feat).

His triple-double rampaged started well before this memorable game against the lowly Phoneix Suns on Dec.17, but what makes this game even more special in Westbrook’s collection of triple-doubles is the fact that he set an NBA season-high in assists, dishing out 22.

It was a stellar all-around performance from a player that seemed ready to finally move beyond the shadow of Kevin Durant, and this game should be Exhibit A in his case for being the league’s MVP this season.

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