Averaging a triple-double and single-handedly leading the Thunder, Russell Westbrook is among the leaders vying for the MVP award. Yet while Westbrook may be the front-runner for the award, especially after going on a historic streak of recording a triple-double in seven straight games, the Thunder All-Star has his eyes on a bigger goal -- winning a championship.
Speaking with reporters before the Thunder defeated the Celtics 99-96 on Sunday, Westbrook was asked if a player should win the MVP award even if his team didn't finish in the top two in their conference.
"I don't care, honestly." Westbrook responded via the Fred Katz of the Norman Transcript. "A championship is always the most important thing to me."
Westbrook's response points to how despite his gaudy individual numbers, overall, he is a team player and just wants to win. The Thunder, however, may not be a championship contender at this time.
Despite Westbrook's greatness this season, the Thunder are sixth in the West with a 15-9 record. They are at times too dependent on their superstar, and his surrounding cast doesn't provide the necessary support for Oklahoma City to be among the top elite teams in the league.
Yet while a championship may not be an actual viable goal for the Thunder this season, they have a strong leader and superstar in Westbrook, who has shown that he is determined to do whatever he can to lead Oklahoma City back to the NBA Finals.
