Jordan Brand Releases Killer Westbrook Tribute

In basketball news, Russell Westbrook broke the single season triple-double record. In sneaker news, that means Air Jordans and a new Westbrook video.

Nike and Jordan Brand released a tribute video honoring Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson, the man he took the record from. Westbrook broke the 55-year-old record with 50 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in a 106-105 win over the Denver Nuggets. While the MVP may still be TBD, Jordan Brand is wasting no time in applauding the greatness of this particular feat.

The clip, titled “From Big O to Big 0,” blends highlights from the record-setting seasons of Robertson (nickname: Big O) with those of Westbrook (jersey number: 0). With their usual ear for pitch-perfect Westbrook music (Lil Uzi Vert, Run the Jewels), the spot is set to the Stevie Wonder song “Higher Ground.”

See the tribute  below.

Of course, this is Jordan Brand so with every great video comes an equally well-executed new sneaker. The Air Jordan XXXI Why Not? are player exclusives, combining elements of the AJ III PE design Westbrook first wore on-court in 2013. They’ll be released April 29 at select Jordan retail locations and online, along with Jordan’s existing Westbrook Why Not? collection available now.

Westbrook has been quite the muse for Jordan Brand’s marketing department, who are on a banner run of Westbrook-focused spots. Previously, there was “Do What I Want,” the Lil Uzi Vert-soundtracked dance-off.  Before that, “Some Run, Some Make Runways,” an ad almost predicated on Kevin Durant shade if you’re looking for it. And before that, “Make Space,” featuring the ultimate inner monologue, Stephen Curry shade and the prescient line, “I ain’t had a triple-double since, let me check my watch real quick, yesterday.”

Whether you root for Westbrook or not, root for more Jordan Brand sneakers and spots.