This is simple when you really think about it. With LeBron, these Lakers are probably a top five or so seed in the West. Without LeBron, these Lakers are around say somewhere around a No.9 thru No. 12 seed in the West. This isn’t rocket science.
OKC’s Thunder got the Laker version without Lebron on Wednesday night in LA and finally pulled away in the fourth when Russell Westbrook decided to quit shooting the basketball after going 3-18 from the field in the first three quarters of the game.
To Westbrook’s credit somewhat… that flash of genius moment hit him and he only missed twice in the fourth period ending up with a 3-20 night on the same night he tripled doubled, but at the same time registering the fifth worst ever shooting percentage in NBA history on a night he trip dubbed. Truly amazing. Close your eyes and tell me what other current NBA player could do such a thing in 48 minutes of play.
In one game he gave us everything in 48 minutes…Wild Thing for the first 36 minutes and something resembling the best regular season point guard in the game today in a twelve minute final frame.
Jim Traber won’t even know what or how to say it on the air today. It would be best for him at this point if he just followed my lead in observing this human named Russell Westbrook.
But in the end, the Thunder didn’t piss on themselves and did improve to 24-13 with the win. You won’t read another blogger in OKC who still vividly remembers Al Davis as I do so in the end….’it’s just win, baby.” No style points required. Just win because there isn’t a selection committee for the NBA Playoffs.
On the flip side positives abound with Paul George scoring 37 points on a 15-29 shooting night. Steven Adams double doubling. Jerami Grant taking his game up a notch literally every night. Terrance Ferguson looking like he can do this possibly. Dennis Schroeder looking like the Sixth Man of the Year. But what I really like is what I’m seeing from Abdel Nader as he continues to play the Alex Abrines minutes. What I’m seeing is an honest two way basketball player who might actually turn into a player this team desperately needs to solidify the bench. I have no idea what’s up with Abrines…only Thunder insiders like Nick Gallo and Royce Young get those kind of Golden Braille nuggets from the inside. But I’ll be honest… I’m not missing him, no malice intended. He seems like a sweet kid, but OKC needs a player they can depend on moving forward. There’s nothing wrong with being a Spanish folk singer and part time Euro player…I would just do it in Spain and seek inner happiness there an ocean away from Donald Trump.
From a big picture standpoint this was just one win against a team missing not only their best player, but the league’s best player.
The LA fans booing of Paul George was kind of comical, but nothing compared to what OKC fans do with Cupcake every time he re-enters Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Westbrook of course…seems oblivious to it all. Nothing frazzles him . He could go 2-50 and still be snug in his own little universe of Bad Little Dude. Don’t we all wish we could be that secure about ourselves and find the humor in it all? I’ve come to terms with Russell. He helps kids read with his foundation. He does good things for the community. He gives away his shoes to a new kid after every game. He may not ever win shit NBA wise, but in the big picture from a human standpoint….how can you stay mad at him for more than 48 hours?
His place in Oklahoma City history is secure…NBA championship or not. You would think there will at some point be a Russell Westbrook Drive close to Mickey Mantle Boulevard in Bricktown. And Westbrook should feel good about it and he should rest assured there won’t be a Cupcake Circle or a James Harden Crosstown Highway.
This is Russell Westbrook’s town and his team.
The Thunder visit Portland on Friday.
You can create interest in any topic! Good job!