Dallas coach Rick Carlisle doesn’t need my help, but if I were one of his assistants my mantra in this series is… screw with Russell Westbrook’s head. Do anything. Push it not only to the edge, but over the edge as long as the zebras don’t see most of it. Make what Patrick Beverly did look like foreplay. I’m not saying to play dirty and hurt someone, but get under Russell Westbrook’s skin and stay there for the duration of this series.
JJ Barea is almost as annoying as Patrick Beverly. He knows how to push Westbrook’s buttons, but the question is if Dallas has enough firepower to win more than one game in this series. But still, if I’m Carlisle, my players are going to do whatever it takes to get Westbrook off his game.
My chalkboard for this series. F–k with Russell Westbrook’s head circled in red. Make Andre Roberson shoot the ball, cheat off Roberson daring him to shoot, and take away the passing lanes to Kevin Durant. Plus, JJ Barea needs to watch this and follow suit. I don’t like the knee injury, but everything else is excellent. Maybe this is why OKC never wins anything…they’re too nice. The nicest team with the nicest superstar….sheesh. That’s not going to work.
It doesn’t always have to be the opposing point guard agitating Westbrook. It can be a big like Harrington below drawing a charging foul, then entangling Westbrook, then inciting a fight, and ultimately getting Westbrook ejected. This is great team play basketball. Doing what it takes for your team. Again, I wish OKC had a player or two like this. I hope the youngsters at home on their computers are taking notes and nodding knowingly.
So– I guess this is my preview of the Oklahoma City-Dallas first round playoff series. I’m ready for some playoff basketball. I’ll go OKC in six games.