Westbrook’s reaction>>>>>
On multiple occasions in this series, the Oklahoma City Thunder led the Houston Rockets in the third quarter. Then Russell Westbrook went to the bench to catch a breather and things broke apart. It’s not even a theory anymore, it’s pure facts.
After calling out the media for asking that same question or at least wondering why his team gave up the lead by the time the fourth quarter (Thunder were +12 when he was on the court, -18 when he was off) came around, it seemed like another case of deja vu for the Thunder.
Except this time, Russ was playing hero ball and couldn’t seal the deal.
Russell Westbrook was off the floor for 6 minutes in Game 5.
In those 6 minutes, the Rockets outscored the Thunder 27-9. pic.twitter.com/AicL24JgEd
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 26, 2017
When the Rockets finally took the lead, Westbrook started throwing up shots from way downtown and missing. Even when his team would get the rebound and those second chance opportunities, they couldn’t convert. They didn’t make a basket for a long stretch in the middle of the fourth quarter. That’s not how you win basketball games.
Meanwhile, Lou Williams kept lighting up the OKC defense and getting the crowd pumped up.
Westbrook post-game press conference
Westbrook finished one assist shy from another triple double in the series, but we’re sure he doesn’t care much about his stat line, rather the loss and first round exit from the playoffs. No other Thunder player had more than 11 points on the night. Meaning, he pretty much carried the team on his back with 47 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists.
On the other side of the ball, James Harden dropped 34 points, picked up 8 rebounds and had 4 assists, while Lou Will had 22 points off the bench. The Rockets bench actually had 44 points, which is crucial when you’re trying to find offensive production from other than your starters.
Houston will now rest it out and await the winner of the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies series, which the Spurs lead 3-2 and the Grizz look to tie it at home.
FINAL: HOU 105 | OKC 99
OS REWIND: Oscar Robertson Endorses Russell Westbrook for MVP in Oklahoma City