James Harden Thinks it might be another “Whole Year” before Russell Westbrook Settles with the Rockets

Russell Westbrook registered his 143rd career triple-double on Saturday during the game between Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.

He scored 24 points, 14 rebounds  and 11 assists, starring in the Rockets’ 115-109 win. He also added three steals and two blocks to make it more impressive.

This was a significant improvement in his performance at the start of the season. Westbrook joined the Rockets side before the start of the 2019/20 season. The prospect of Russell Westbrook playing alongside James Harden seemed exciting even though people were skeptical about how the duo will thrive.

After 22 games together now, Harden felt there’s still some time before Westbrook would hit his peak in the new colours.

“He’ll continue to get better,” Harden said after Saturday’s match as per a video obtained from Salman Ali of ESPN. “Think about it – this is his first time away from Oklahoma City so he’s still trying to get adjusted. You know, it’s not going to take 20-25 games. It may take the course of a whole year.”

Harden himself, who has been in a great scoring form this season, contributed with 34 points on the night, but with a compromised accuracy.

One of the biggest positives for the Rockets was Ben McLemore who, for the past few games, has been giving good returns. With 27 points coming off the bench on Saturday, he now has 55 points in the last two games. It includes 13 three’s and a filed goal percentage of over 50.

“My job is to still go out there and do what I’m supposed to do as far as running the floor, knocking down open shots, and defend, and things like that,” McLemore said after the match.

Game highlights: