Russell Westbrook, like Harden, had yet to win a single Player of the Month award in his career.
Like James Harden, he had put up a performance this month that, at any other time, would have absolutely guaranteed him Player of the Month.
On February 23, in the Thunder's win over the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook played 27 minutes and recorded 21 points, 17 assists, and 8 rebounds, with his assist total tying his career high.
On February 25, in the Thunder's win over the Pacers, Westbrook posted a triple-double of 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, the 11th triple-double of his career.
On February 27, the Thunder lost 113-117 to the Suns in overtime on the road. Though they lost, Westbrook finished with 39 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, recording triple-doubles in consecutive games.
On February 28, in the Thunder's game against the Trail Blazers, Westbrook put up 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. He recorded triple-doubles in three straight games, becoming the first player since Link to achieve the feat.
Throughout February, Westbrook led the Thunder to an excellent 9-3 record. He averaged 31.2 points, 10.3 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game, nearly averaging a triple-double.
In addition, Westbrook recorded double-digit assists in six straight games, setting a career high.
He also tied Gary Payton's franchise record by posting at least 20 points and 10 assists in six consecutive games.
At the same time, Westbrook surpassed 10,000 career points in February...
His performance was unmatched, but unfortunately, just like Harden...
Like Harden, he had never won Player of the Month. Like Harden, he had produced an unbelievable month of basketball. And like Harden, even with such absurd performances, he still missed out on Player of the Month...
On the night of March 2, the NBA officially