The Oklahoma City Thunder were never really in much danger of losing to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, but at least the point guard battle managed to be somewhat interesting. With Kevin Durant was practically a no-show (3 of 11 from the field for 10 points), so Russell Westbrook took charge to the tune of 27 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. On the other side, Philly’s Michael Carter-Williams didn’t have the greatest shooting night, but still mustered 16 points to go along with 14 assists.
Midway through the third quarter, and with OKC comfortably in the lead, Westbrook decided to go YOLO Westbrook, ignoring two wide open teammates (including Durant, who was waving his arms) in favor of a 30-foot bomb — in MCW’s face — as the shot clock wound down. Now, we could ignore context and add this to the “Durant can’t play with Westbrook” narrative, but there was some reasoning behind it.
Michael Carter-Williams doing a lotta chirping at both Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Interesting strategy.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 6, 2014
Kevin Durant on MCW chirping at Westbrook: “I think (Russ) put him in his place. Let him know who the best point guard in the league is.” — Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 6, 2014
Russell Westbrook on MCW’s trash talk: “That’s kinda how I play, that’s what I do. If that’s what he wants do, good…They lost.”
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 6, 2014
MCW did only shoot 6 of 19 from the field, but as we already mentioned, 14 assists is nothing to scoff at. He also pulled down seven rebounds. So, while Westbrook’s team won, it wasn’t because of anything MCW didn’t do, and probably has more to do with the fact the Sixers are terrible.
[.gif via Reddit]
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