Never said that, I'm an idiot too but you're refuting inferences that, while not backed by this particular play and injury, are still plausible.... And so I don't see a need to call out people because they mentioned it here, esp since it's a WB thread.. That's all. Sorry for the harsh words. But that's my point.
This isn't complicated. Westbrook's style of play may have been okay for the good knees he used to have, but it's questionable whether he can continue to play that way with the bad knee he has now.
I saw you post this on youtube as well. I'll say what I said there -- if you think that was a repeat of the play from the postseason, you should go back & rewatch Game 2 to refresh your memory. What made that play so reckless/risky is that Bev went low, creating contact w/ Russ' knee. He went high (chest-level) in the game this season, which is not even remotely the same play -- and more importantly, not even remotely the same risk factor.
Did you watch the way he was hurt? He was standing in triple threat. He wasn't even moving. This has nothing to do with Westbrook's style of play.
So... let me get this straight. Westbrook goes out and KD goes for 51 and buries a game winner? Yeah, sounds about right. Like the old thread title said, Westbrick is hurting the Thunder.
I agree. The play was different and not as bad. But... I would say it was 'remotely' related. I'm all for aggressive play. But I have to admit, if this same stuff was happening to James Harden... I would be losing my MIND!!!!
You can't honestly believe OKC is better without him. Westbrook can be sporadic on offense, but we saw what you can expect from the Thunder last year when he's out.
Given that Russ did something insanely similar to Lin just a season before, I just can't get on the oh-my-God-its-so-unfair bandwagon. Ah, well.
Its true. Some people are under the misconception that we are saying that they will be able to get further in the playoffs, which isn't true. The reason for that isn't Westbrook's absence though, its the fact that KD will get too tired just like against the Grizz. Sure they might be able to get a bit further with him, but he is not the answer. They need a different 2nd banana that knows when to defer to him and doesn't play the PG position dominating the ball all the time. Ironically, Harden is probably the perfect fit but the thunder went on and ****ed that up (gratefully).
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>An MRI and clinical exam on Russell Westbrook's knee confirmed no further issues from the play last night. He will be fine moving forward.</p>— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/statuses/447495063707197440">March 22, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Thunder will continue to monitor Russell Westbrook's minutes and rest him on one night of back-to-backs.</p>— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/statuses/447495307970895872">March 22, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
WB isn't the problem. They need a coach worthy of the talent on that team. Someone who will implement a legit offensive structure and force the players to conform to it. From his 2nd year on, WB has demonstrated the ability to be a distributor, an almost lockdown defender, etc. But there isn't enough general discipline on their team (esp. on offense) to maximize the talent on the roster. I will also add that before WB went down in December, he was setting up players better than ever. The Thunder were moving to another level. Give OKC a very good coach and they will go to another level. Coach Bonehead is holding them back more than any player on their roster (Perkins included). If WB is completely healthy and integrated (which looks doubtful IMO), OKC will likely make the Finals, maybe even win. Without him, they could be 1st round roadkill. It's a lot more than just getting "a bit further with him". Without WB, their playoff losses won't be about KD getting tired. There are no back-to-backs. They won't be able to close games because their offense will be even more predictable than before.
Is it wrong to feel kind of happy happy that a star player on a rival team is injured and won't pose a threat against us ?
Fixed: Is it wrong to feel kind of happy from this news? Happy that a star player on a rival team is injured and won't pose a threat against us ?
I've seen so many players on the teams I cheer for get hurt, I'm happy when someone for the other team has to miss games.
Wrong to feel happy? Not at all! I hope no one here, outside of the few Thunder fans here, are feeling down or sorry for Westbrook or the Thunder. But.... I hate Westbrook, Durant and the Thunder more than the next guy but to be honest, with or without Westbrook, the Thunder still own the Rockets and are the better team.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>An MRI and clinical exam on Russell Westbrook's knee confirmed no further issues from the play last night. He will be fine moving forward.</p>— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/statuses/447495063707197440">March 22, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Yes, seriously. With or without Westbrook, Thunder >>>> Rockets. Maybe the Rockets can take a game or two like last year but other than that...
