Subsequent to falling 103-97 in overtime to the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night the Oklahoma City Thunder learned something essential: it's really hard to replace Russell Westbrook.
It's not only the 23. 2 items per game. It's not the 7. 4 provides help or 5. 2 rebounds as well. It's the identity which he gave the team which can be sorely lacking.
Over the last period, Westbrook has caught a great deal of flack for his decision-making in addition to shot selection and, at first glance, rightfully so. It's hard to defend anyone taking as several shots per game when Kevin Durant.
His constant assaulting, fiery passion and unremitting pressure allowed the court to open for Durant to end up his typical, efficient self.
Westbrook represented exactly what Durant wanted to push his game to another level. He was that Robin to Durant's Batman, just like that other really superior duo in Miami.
Exactly like Batman constantly needed Robin's assistance, Durant is realizing this life without Westbrook is not really fun at all. There is nobody available on the market to deflect some opposition's attention. The Grizzlies demonstrate that they're perfectly proud of anyone else beating him or her.
The frustration is evident over the face of Durant as he's realized that the burden he now ought to carry might be an excessive amount. Durant on his private is brilliant. Durant along with Westbrook is otherworldly.
Ironically, up until a year ago, the Thunder had mostly of the guys who could have picked up the slack. James Harden was always the perfect compliment to the dynamic duo owing to his ability to cope with the ball and create his own offense.
That's exactly just what Durant needed Monday event. Obviously he can obtain his points whenever he wants but Durant has been at his best off the ball, curling off screens and squeezing off feathery clean jumpers.
Unfortunately for him, the Thunder management foolishly broke apart that which was arguably the best core in the entire league by putting their eggs with the Serge Ibaka basket and trading Harden with the Houston Rockets before the season began.
These playoffs have revealed the gravity of the mistake by exposing Ibaka for what they are: a role player. He was an exceptional fourth banana last yr. He's a pretty hello there excuse for sidekick, though.
Unfortunately for Durant, Russell Westbrook isn't playing any moment soon, Harden is gone and Ibaka isn't planning to magically morph into the player the Thunder hoped he or she was. As it's been since Westbrook ran out, it's all on Durant today.
Maybe now all those that criticized the play involving Westbrook will bite their particular tongues. If these playoffs have shown us anything, it's how important Westbrook is to the success of a Thunder.
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