NBA News: Westbrook Once Defied Staff, Scored 49 Points On Swollen Ankle

Russell Westbrook's recent slew of historical milestones, including passing Oscar Robertson for most triple-double performances in NBA history, has brought up interesting stories about the 2017 MVP.

Westbrook has always been known for his tenacity on the floor, and one game back in the 2016-17 NBA season was recently talked about showing just that signature attitude.

In a report by The Athletic's Fred Katz, the now Washington Wizards star once figured in a commotion with the Oklahoma City Thunder staff after insisting to play in spite of an ankle injury.

Back in January 2017, Westbrook, then coached by Billy Donovan with the Thunder, was facing the Houston Rockets on the latter's home floor on the second night of back-to-back games.

Per the retelling, Donovan heard "yelling" in the training room hours prior to tip-off against Houston.

The night before, Westbrook rolled his ankle as the Thunder lost to the Charlotte Hornets, 123-112.

He was getting treatment, but the ankle still seemed too swollen for him to even get minutes on the floor.

It caused him to get angry and even threw medical tape "out of frustration."

Donovan, who now coaches Chicago, finally interjected, telling the playmaker: “Russ, just take the game [off], man. It’s a back-to-back. Just take the game [off].”

Westbrook was defiant. He eventually played 38 minutes and scored an incredible 49 points to go with eight rebounds and five assists. However, the Thunder fell short, 118-116.

“His whole ankle is swollen. And the guy refuses not to play... I mean, you couldn’t believe the size of his ankle," Donovan recalled, per The Athletic.

Such an anecdote reflects an unreal drive from Westbrook to play each game possible, nagging from injuries or not.

He is eighth on the active list for most minutes played with 32,668, in spite of a serious history of injuries and surgeries to his knees.

Add to that his gold medal-winning summer stints at the FIBA World Cup in 2010 and the 2012 London Olympics.

With the Wizards, he continues to serve as an exemplary model, averaging a triple-double (22.2 points, 11.5 boards, 11.7 dimes) while leading the team in minutes and touches per game.

At 32 years old, Westbrook has significant mileage across his name. From the way it looks, he has more than enough left in the tank for seasons to come.