Westbrook even talked with Rockets coach Mike DAntoni and his assistants about game method.
During movie sessions, Westbrook has actually raised his voice to share what he likes and dislikes on each play. In Game 2 on Thursday, Westbrook cheered his teammates any time they made a highlight-reel play.
The Rockets would enjoy it more if Westbrook returns soon, obviously. After acquiring him last summer from Oklahoma City for Chris Paul, Westbrook has matched Rockets All-Star guard James Harden with scoring (27.2 points) and shared ball handling duties (7.0 assists).
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.– The Houston Rockets flamboyant star can no longer run at break-neck speed and compete as if nothing else matters. So with Russell Westbrook sidelined the previous four video games with an ideal quadricep injury, he has actually carried his energy in other places.
” What has Russ been like? Rockets forward Jeff Green asked.
During the Rockets win over Oklahoma City on Thursday in Game 2 of their first-round series, Westbrook appeared as flamboyant on the bench as he would have been on the court.
He could not make a style declaration with his stylish attire during post-game interviews. He made a fashion declaration on the bench using a sleeveless T-shirt, a brilliant yellow mask and a trucker hat. Westbrook could not bark orders to his colleagues on the court. He did so throughout timeouts. He could not argue with authorities on the court, so he did so from the sideline. Westbrook even talked with Rockets coach Mike DAntoni and his assistants about video game strategy.
Become gotten ready for Westbrook to work as de-facto assistant coach once again in Game 3 on Saturday. Though Westbrook completed his very first practice on Friday since worsening his ideal quad on Aug. 11, DAntoni said Westbrook is “most likely out.”
” I do not believe we have a choice on whether we get Russell involved or not. If he wants to be included, he wishes to get included,” guard Austin Rivers said. “Thats a credit to the type of player he is and more so the type of colleague he is. A great deal of men in Russells position, if theyre not playing, they would not be around.”
Regardless of the Rockets spirited jokes about Westbrooks dominant presence, they are pleased that Westbrook has stayed included behind the scenes.
” Russells character is a huge part of the team, even when hes injured,” DAntoni said. “He does what he has to do to talk to gamers and get him going and provide us support.”
During practices, Westbrook has remained active with treatment, riding a stationary bicycle and conditioning drills. Throughout movie sessions, Westbrook has actually raised his voice to share what he likes and dislikes on each play. In Game 2 on Thursday, Westbrook cheered his teammates whenever they made a highlight-reel play.
” What you see is what you get with Russ. Despite the fact that hes not playing, it seems like he is due to the fact that his attention to information and his focus and his demeanor resembles he is playing,” Green said. “Thats Russ 24/7. I like it.”
The Rockets would enjoy it more if Westbrook returns soon, certainly. After getting him last summertime from Oklahoma City for Chris Paul, Westbrook has matched Rockets All-Star guard James Harden with scoring (27.2 points) and shared ball dealing with responsibilities (7.0 assists). Since of his defense, rebounding (7.9) and speed, Westbrook has complemented Hardens one-on-one, slow-paced style with a much faster pace in the open court.
Predictably, Harden has actually played a big part in those wins, with 37 and 21 points, respectively. Has the Rockets defense, holding the Thunder to under a 45 percent clip in both games.
” We always have confidence that we can do this,” DAntoni said. “It puts a great deal of emphasis on the other people understanding youre without Russell with the 25-30 points every night and the energy he brings … Your margin for error shrinks. But if everybody is doing what theyre doing, it still absolutely can work.”
Beyond winning, the Rockets have ended up being inspired to play without Westbrook partly to ease his burden when he returns. That may occur quickly.
” It looks like he can play nearly,” Rivers stated. “Hes doing full exercises. Hes just not going complete speed. However hes moving around and getting shots up. … I think hes simply getting as much rest as he can.”
And when hes not? Westbrook remains hectic on the sideline cheering, critiquing or joking.
Follow USA TODAY NBA author Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram..
