A quadruple-double, 10 steals in a single game...
Those two records were enough to flood the news sites of every sports media outlet with Link's name.
This miracle, appearing again for the first time in 22 years, had basketball fans around the world utterly captivated.
Westbrook's bizarre double-double of 21 points and 10 turnovers also became a nationwide sensation. Once Link tore away the glamorous veneer of Westbrook's triple-double average, all people could see was a struggling Thunder team and "the Turtle."
The result of that game greatly diminished the shock people felt over Westbrook's season-long triple-double average, making them realize that Westbrook did not seem as great as the numbers suggested.
The facts proved that Westbrook was, more or less, suspected of padding his stats.
When he faced an opponent like Link, who gave him no chance whatsoever to pad his numbers, zero assists and 10 turnovers were Westbrook at his most genuine.
For a time, more and more fans began supporting Link's bid for the top spot in the MVP rankings.
A season-long triple-double average was certainly impressive, but a triple-double average deliberately padded out just didn't feel the same.
By comparison, Link did not average a triple-double. But his occasional miracles of 50+15+15 and quadruple-doubles made fans feel that he was even greater.
Because every one of Link's stats contributed enormously to winning. In games where there was truly no threat, Link simply would not play until the end.
Fans loved this kind of genuine superstar production even more.
Looking purely at their averages, Westbrook appeared to have the edge. But when it came to their actual impact on games, Link was undoubtedly greater.
Following the games against the Cavaliers and Thunder, Link's reputation around the league skyrocketed.
Durant, who had finally turned things around and become