OKC plays the Brooklyn Nets tonight, but the focus with sixteen regular season games is Russell Westbrook’s two-fold pursuit of Oscar Robertson’s 41 triple doubles, and a neck and neck MVP race with former teammate James Harden. Harden was simply magnificent on Sunday night as he outdueled LeBron in a Rockets win over the Cavs. In essence, Westbrook is involved in the two most interesting storylines of this NBA season.
As a fan here in Oklahoma, it has been fascinating watching the gradual evolvement of Westbrook, Harden, and Durant. Three different players, three different styles, and three different people.
Both Westbrook and Harden played their high school ball in Los Angeles and grew up with Kobe being their favorite player. Westbrook ended up at UCLA, while Harden ended up at Arizona State. Both ended up on Sam Presti’s radar in Oklahoma City. Westbrook is idolized in Oklahoma. Harden is still loved here. Durant will forever be tarnished for leaving to go to Golden State.
I thought it might be a nice place in the season to hear Kobe speak on Westbrook as Robertson’s record is within sight with sixteen games left.