Russell Westbrook’s Historic Night Leads the Clippers Past the Grizzlies

• Russell Westbrook produced a magnificent performance to lead the Los Angeles Clippers past the Memphis Grizzlies
• The veteran point guard finished with 36 points and 10 assists to help the Clippers win 141-132
• The 34-year-old became the first player in Clippers' history to record at least 35 points, 10 assists, and two blocks

Without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Russell Westbrook stepped up when needed for the Los Angeles Clippers against the Memphis Grizzlies.

He finished the game with 36 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks which saw the Clippers win 141-132.

The 34-year-old has struggled in the NBA for the last few years despite averaging a triple-double four times in five seasons.

With Leonard out for personal reasons and George out with injuries, Westbrook showed why he won the 2017 award. He led the Clippers to a big win against the Grizzlies, who won their past seven games.

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The Clippers now occupy the fifth spot in the Western Conference with a 41-36 record, per ESPN.

Westbrook reacts to historic display

The 9x All-Star finished with a season-high 36 points 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 13-for-18 shooting from the field, including 5-for-5 from deep, and only 2 turnovers, per SI.

With that stat line, he became the first player in Clippers' history to record at least 35 points, 10 assists, and two blocks. He said he had to step up.

"Definitely, man," Westbrook said. "My mindset never changes. My role may change, but my mindset doesn't."

In 16 games with the Clippers, the former Oklahoma City Thunder star is averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 49.2 percent from the field.

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Moreover, the veteran point guard also became the first player in league history to have a 30-point and 10-assist game with 5 different franchises, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Ty Lue's team are now 8-8 with Westbrook on the floor. They are half a game behind 4th placed Phoenix Suns with five games left to play, per SI.

Darvin Ham's message to Westbrook

Sports Brief earlier reported on Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham sending a lovely message to his former player Westbrook after he joined the Clippers.

"I appreciate Russ for everything he tried to do for us, for sacrificing, complying with my vision of him coming off the bench and having a more balanced lineup. I wish him well going forward and that’s it," said Ham.

The Lakers traded the nine-time All-Star to the Utah Jazz on the February 9 NBA trade deadline and his former coach, Darvin Ham has since sent a lovely message to Westbrook.