By BILL HAISTEN Sports Writer on Jun 18, 2012, at 3:33 PM Updated on 6/18 at 3:33 PM
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MIAMI, Fla. – Included in the Monday Tulsa World, as part of our coverage of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, was a review of Russell Westbrook’s erratic third-quarter sequence.
During a span of slightly more than two minutes, after Oklahoma City had rallied for a 60-51 lead over the Miami Heat, the Thunder point guard disconnected himself from the team concept and made mistakes that snuffed OKC’s momentum.
Thunder fans have responded in defense of Westbrook. There was this from an e-mail correspondent: “It has become pretty obvious the media has been very critical of Westbrook, no matter what happens.”
And there was this on Twitter: “The blame doesn't go on Westbrook. (Kevin Durant) was in foul trouble and turned the ball over more than Russ.”
When OKC coach Scott Brooks benched Westbrook with 5:01 left in the third quarter, it wasn’t because Westbrook was due for a quick breather. It happened because Westbrook was out of control.
On Monday, Westbrook reflected on that moment: “Just wanted to stay in the game. You know, it was an important time at the time – an opportunity for us to (increase the lead). Just upset with myself.”
And during that final 5:01 of the period – with Westbrook and Durant (four fouls) watching from the bench – the Heat rolled from a 10-point deficit to a two-point lead. But Oklahoma City’s momentum had dissipated when Westbrook was still on the floor – when he blunted the Thunder flow with four consecutive bad possessions.
Everyone knows that Westbrook is not the protypical pass-first point guard. During the regular season, he averaged 23.6 points – ranking fifth overall in the NBA. His playoff scoring average is 22.2. Just as Oklahoma City needs his points, Oklahoma City also needs All-Star leadership from Westbrook.
As was the case in Game 1 of the Finals – when he totaled 27 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and only two turnovers – Westbrook can be dazzling while playing team basketball.
And before I am defined as being a Westbrook detractor, this is an excerpt from a June 2 Tulsa World blog:
“Within the context of what Oklahoma City does offensively, Westbrook fits. Since arriving in Oklahoma City, he has been durable (312 consecutive games), he has been a winner and he has become a more complete player. He is better now than he was in 2010, and he’ll be better in 2014 than he is now. Over the next five seasons, there won’t be a more accomplished point guard than Russell Westbrook.”
-- Bill Haisten
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