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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 8/16/26

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week.


Russell Westbrook

It's amazing to me that Westbrook's career is now over. Especially after a summer where we all reacted to LeBron James making yet another decision. LeBron outplaying everyone, man. Westbrook's last few years felt rather disappointing, especially considering the dynamic player that he was in his prime, and what he was still able to bring this late in his career. Nonetheless, I always found Westbrook to be more...because the dude was special! Westbrook averaged a triple-double- read that again! - four times! FOUR TIMES! 

  • 2016–17 (Oklahoma City Thunder): 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists per game
  • 2017–18 (Oklahoma City Thunder): 25.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 10.3 assists per game
  • 2018–19 (Oklahoma City Thunder): 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 10.7 assists per game
  • 2020–21 (Washington Wizards): 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 11.7 assists per game

Russ also brought a fierceness that was simply fun to watch. A ferociousness packed with explosion and aggression that was so unique. 

I just wish the league somehow, someway, had room for just one more year of Russ, to give him his due. 

The dude was special. Remarkable. Just so different. 


Jayden Daniels LSU

The college athletics space has become such a farce in so many ways. It's comical in many ways. And now, Jayden Daniels and his latest request that LSU not issue "his" #5 jersey is another low. I mean, for real, dude? I'm not sure how this will play out legally, but on the surface, and likely in the court of public opinion, this is as ridiculous as it sounds. 

Also, kudos to the New York Mets social media admin for the funny troll effort this week. 


Extreme Flooding

As the summer rolls on, it feels like flooding via these crazzzzzyyyy thunderstorms with massive downpours has been more prevalent than ever.  This week we saw the catastrophe in Indiana with several people losing their lives. Other parts of the country have experienced similar storms. I can also speak to my own experiences this summer of driving through a tornado alert (!!!) and frequent torrential downpours that felt downright biblical at times. 

What is going on?!!


Cover Photo

Children living beside railway tracks play in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

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