Russell Westbrook made a powerful statement on the court last night, becoming the second ever NBA player to score 20 points, 20 assists and 20 rebounds on the same night and he dedicated his win to his friend Nipsey Hussle.
—BREAKING NEWS: Nipsey Hussle shooting suspect, Eric Holder, apprehended by police in Los Angeles—
The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard bested the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 119-103 and ending with a total 20-21-20, that came only second to the legendary Wilt Chamberlain’s 22-25-21 record, according to ESPN.
On Tuesday night, Westbrook paid homage to his slain friend Hussle, wore a Crenshaw shirt and listened to the Grammy-nominated artists songs as he warmed up before the game.
When Westbrook hit the court, he made every moment count –- for Nipsey.
After his 20th rebound, he faced the cameras and yelled, “That’s for Nipsey.”
Westbrook told TNT reporter Jason Terry, “That wasn’t for me. That was for my bro. That was for Nipsey.”
“20 plus 20 plus 20, they know what that means,” Westbrook added, which was a nod to the Rollin’ 60s, the Crips gang that Hussle was once affiliated with. “Rest in Peace Nipsey.”
“That was for Nipsey.” ??
Russ dedicates his 20-20-20 performance to the late Nipsey Hussle. pic.twitter.com/KbkvwD3z0M
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 3, 2019
Hussle who was killed on Sunday, was well regarded in his Creshaw neighborhood as a hometown hero and activist who built businesses in the same community he was killed in.
Westbrook said he will continue Hussle’s “positive” legacy.
“[He was] somebody I looked up to, somebody that paved the way for a guy like myself growing up in the inner city,” Westbrook said. “To have those conversations with him, I’m just truly saddened by the situation.”
“Just continue to pray for his family, his wife, his daughter, and continue to live on his legacy in the right way,” he added. “Be positive in the community and for sure, I’m gonna do my part.”
Police arrested 29-year-old Eric Holder yesterday for the shooting death of Hussle. He is expected to face a judge this week.
—WATCH: Nipsey Hussle & Lauren London’s Love | 5 Memorable Moments—
He was captured in the Bellflower area of Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon.
Overnight the rapper’s longtime girlfriend Lauren London broke her silence following the death of her partner, Nipsey Hussle.
She shared some sweet snapshots and a heartbreaking Instagram post Tuesday evening.
“I am completely lost. I’ve lost my best friend. My sanctuary. My protector. My soul….I’m lost without you. We are lost without you babe. I have no words.”
After finding out about Hussle’s death, Westbrook wrote:
“YOU’RE ONE OF ONE BRO!!! Rest Up King ????” the basketball player wrote alongside a photo of Hussle.
A day later, he also shared a photo of the pair hugging and simply captioned it, “?????”