Stephen A. Smith Reacts to Russell Westbrook, Wife Nina's Response to Criticism

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After Russell and Nina Westbrook responded to comments made by Stephen A. Smith about the former NBA MVP breaking the Washington Wizards' single-season record for triple-doubles, the ESPN analyst offered a defense of his analysis. 

On Wednesday's episode of First Take, Smith explained that because Westbrook is "so great" on the court that "we wanna see more" from him than just racking up stats. 

Following Westbrook's triple-double with 35 points, 21 assists and 14 rebounds on Monday against the Indiana Pacers, Smith said on Tuesday he didn't "give a damn about any of it" because the Wizards' record after the game was 17-28. 

"You're not going anywhere, and this isn't the first time Russell Westbrook has played on a team that has fallen short," Smith added.

Following the Wizards' 114-104 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night, Westbrook told reporters he "was a champion once I made it to the NBA. I grew up in the streets. I'm a champion.”

Nina Westbrook used her Instagram to dismiss Smith's criticism of her husband:

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Westbrook's triple-double against the Pacers was his 16th of the season, breaking a tie with Darren Walker for most in franchise history. 

Per Kevin Brown of NBC Sports Washington, Westbrook's performance was also the first 35-point, 20-assist triple-double in NBA history. 

Westbrook is on pace to average a triple-double for the fourth time in his career. The nine-time All-Star is averaging 21.8 points, 10.6 assists and 10.3 rebounds per game in his first season with the Wizards.