Russell Westbrook benched; some smoke in the OKC camp but no fire yet – NBA Update
Oklahoma City Thunder starting point guard Russell Westbrook looked agitated when taken out in the third quarter of game-2 of the Western Conference finals against the Dallas Mavericks. He was seen yelling while leaving the court
with 28 seconds to go in the third.
Westbrook did not play the entire final quarter. He had 18 points, four assists and three rebounds in just over 28 minutes of play. However, the Thunder did not seem bothered at all by his absence as reserve Eric Maynor took charge
of the contest in his absence and closed out the Thunder’s 106-100 victory inside the American Airlines Center.
Thunder head-coach Scott Brooks was satisfied with what he was getting from the 23-year-old. Therefore, the coach decided not to mess with good rhythm that the team seemed to have with Maynor on the court. Maynor scored 13 points
for the Thunder in the victory.
Brooks explained his decision after the game, saying, "We were not getting a lot of things done and it was his time to come out.” "and I stayed with Eric."
The coach was waiting to have few words with Westbrook when he entered the locker room but the 22-year-old is said to have barked at his coach rather than listen to him. The NBA All-Star was not happy with the decision of the coach
and assistant coach Maurice Cheeks along with fellow assistant Mark Bryant had to come down the bench to explain the situation to him.
His teammate Kendrick Perkins also took him aside and had a heart-to-heart with him. Perkins said, “I had to let him know we are winning, everything’s going good.” “I think he is fine. I told him, “Different guys will help at different
times.”
After encouragement and advice from the teammates and coaches, Westbrook forget about his pain and saw the bigger picture. He was later found dancing down the tunnel on the way back to the locker room after the game.
It seemed as though the Thunder avoided a major in camp issue as Westbrook greeted reporters with a smile after the game and refused to criticise his coach or teammates after the win
Westbrook said, "We was winning, man.” "I know you all want to ask the same question and I'm going to tell you all the same answer: we was winning."
His coach also spoke after the game, commending Westbrook’s play and saying the decision he took was just what the situation demanded at the time. He also reassured the press that Russell was still first choice at the Oklahoma
City Thunder.
Brooks said, “I’ve done it a few times during the year,” “Doesn’t happen often, Russell is an incredible player, he’s our starting point guard,”
Intentionally or unintentionally, Brooks delivered a lesson to the young Thunders that, “Production matters more than status.” Although the 45-year-old trusts his players, and he would be going with whoever will help him to win.
Westbrook showed some displeasure initially, but he now seems to be toeing the line in accordance with his coach’s wishes.
Tags: