It appears Kevin Durant is about to get his running mate back. While speaking to Bill Simmons on Friday, Durant said of Russell Westbrook returning to the court, “next game right after the All-Star break, against Miami.” Westbrook has only played in 25 of the Thunder’s 55 games, and without him, they have raced out to the best record in the West. Kevin Durant has solidly put himself at the front of the MVP race and although the Thunder have been so good without Westbrook this season, many believe that they can’t truly contend for a title with out him in the lineup and healthy.
The real thing to watch down the stretch for the Thunder, is how Westbrook coming back affects the team’s chemistry. Over the past month, they have been the hottest team in the league and Durant has averaged an astounding 31.5 ppg at the All-Star break. We all know Westbrook controls the ball a lot of the time and gets his shots up, so it’s possible that Durant’s production may take a dip. For the Thunder though, winning is the most important thing and if Westbrook gives them the best shot at that then they have to run with it.
More details after the jump.
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