Russell Westbrook scored 21 points against Memphis on Thursday.
In something that we’ve all gotten used to,
Russell Westbrook lost his cool last night and let one of his teammates have it. Westbrook barked at
Thabo Sefolosha for what looked like a busted play. The bad cut, bad positioning, or whatever it was, resulted in a five-second call against Westbrook and things went down hill from that point (watch the video below).
After the turnover, four Memphis points and a terrible shot from Westbrook, Scott Brooks called a timeout. Westbrook walked to bench unleashing a tantrum at the air, yelling at no one specific, but everyone at the same time. TNT reported that
Kevin Durant and Westbrook had an exchange during the timeout as well.)
Scott Brooks then benched his starting point guard for he fight eight minutes of the third quarter, which lead to even bigger meltdown from Westbrook (watch the video below). Thunder assistant coach Mo Cheeks attempted to try and calm Westbrook, but that didn’t work out so well.
After a few minutes to cool down, Westbrook returned to the bench and was back in the game to start the fourth quarter. Westbrook finished the game with 21 points on 9-of-17 shooting and six assists.
Read Bill Haisten’s game story from the Thunder-Memphis game last night for all the quotes from Westrbook, Durant and Brooks after the gameWhat will be the fallout from this? Nothing. Durant and Serge Ibaka have been involved in a few verbal altercations this season. This has happened before and it will happen again for the Thunder and just about any other sports team. But at some point, you have to wonder if Westbrook's teammates will get tired of covering for him and annoyed that this happens at all. Probably not, but it's something to consider. At some point, when you act this way enough times, it becomes part of your reputation as a player.
I’m just glad my six-year-old daughter didn’t see that outburst from Westbrook. I can’t imagine trying to explain that.
UPDATE: The NBA on TNT crew of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal talked about the Westbrook incident in the Thunder-Grizzlies (and his bad shirt selection) last night after the late game. Watch the video to hear some interesting fashion commentary from the three former NBA players and their thoughts on Westbrook's inability to maintain his cool.
