Since the dynamic duo of Russell Westbrook took over in Oklahoma City there has always been hundreds of questions surrounding their relationship on and off the curt and we've seen the power struggle that ensues when you place two of the top 5 players in the world on the same team. Yet, when they work together and share the load they are almost unstoppable, and they cover for each other when one is injured or is having a of night.
This season as a Thunder fan as been, trying lets say. Not having KD for most of the season due to multiple injuries an watching the team plummet from power like a falling angel has been hard to watch. The team is resilient though! They've made trades to bolster the front court with the trade away of Kendrick Perkins (finally) and granted Reggie Jackson his leave after his voiced frustrations of wanting to be a starter. Through all of these tough times one man continues night in and night out to put up great numbers. Russell Westbrook is almost by himself, clawing the OKC Thunder back into the playoff race. While it is true the team reached .500 when they had both KD and Russ, Westbrook has continued despite the loss of Durant to lead the Thunder in a way that is just plain fun to watch. He (Westbrook) put up three consecutive triple doubles against Indiana (2/24), Phoenix (2/26), and Portland (2/27). The media finally started to take notice of what Westbrook is accomplishing. They finally took a break from following Lebron to the store to see what type of soap he buys. If I had to name three MVP candidates it would be Houston SG James Harden, Warriors PG Steph Curry and Westbrook.
This season Westbrook has averaged 27.4 PPG, 8.1 APG, and 7 RPG. All of those stats are higher then his career averages. People have always doubted Westbrooks ability to lead a team. As a converted 2 guard at UCLA he earned the reputation as being to shot happy and not team oriented in his early years in OKC. He also has been slightly in KD's shadow as the leader of the team. Now however, Westbrook is telling the world to pay attention. He is showing that he can take of business when times get hard and he has moved the Thunder into the 8th and final seed in the tough slug fest of the NBA's Western Conference.
Westbrook possesses a unique mixture of speed, power, agility and intellect on the court. Westbrook has been noted to be one of the fastest players in basketball right now and he shows it on the fastbreak's into space. In a recent game Westbrook gathers a rebound and drives the length of the court, coast to coast, to a monstrous slam at the other end for 2. These plays energize not only the crowd, but the team. In a season that surely has been tougher for them then us as fans Westbrook provides a glimmer of a playoff run. His play and his toughness on the court keep everyone wanting more.
So Mr. Westbrook, a massive salute to you. As a fan we really couldn't do it without you this season. As a general spectator you really just bring a new level of energy to the game of basketball. With free agency for Kevin Durant on the horizon it will be interesting to see how the Thunder front office will navigate the seas trying to keep both KD and Westbrook settled in Oklahoma City for a long time.
