Russell Westbrook after Game 2: “”When we’re winning, I’m good,” he said. I’m just sitting there waiting to get my name called. We was winning, man. You all want to ask the same question and I’m going to give you all the same answer – ‘We was winning.’”
Marc Stein of ESPN.com: “It’s a call you never expected Brooks to be making just two games removed from a Westbrook triple-double in OKC’s Game 7 win at home over Memphis, but here we are again. Wondering whether Westbrook — offensive rebounder extraordinaire — can rise up from underneath that microscope with anywhere near the flair he bounced back against the Grizzlies. “One thing about Russ is that he always bounces back,” Perkins said. “Him not playing in the fourth quarter, I’m sure he’ll use that as more of a motivation thing. It’ll just be scary to see him come out after tonight.” Meaning scary good.”
Jeff Fogle of HoopData: “Down at the bottom of the list, the player who needed to be humbled perhaps more than anyone. Russell Westbrook. He exited the court very late in the third quarter with that scowl we’ve seen on his face too many times. We’ve seen that arrogant glare aimed at teammates. This one was aimed at his head coach, along with a few choice words. From a 22-year old who’s best helped his team in the playoffs BY STAYING OUT OF THE WAY of more consistent scorers. Perhaps sitting there while has backup helped engineer what may end up being one of the biggest wins in the francishe’s OKC tenure will help bring some perspective.”
Gregg Doyel of CBSSports.com says Scott Brooks kicked some butt: “This was the adjustment game. Game 2 usually is. Two days after Oklahoma City and Dallas got their first long postseason look at each other, the Thunder adjusted better. That’s why the most important person Thursday night wasn’t Thunder superstar Kevin Durant, who scored 24 points, or sixth man James Harden, who played brilliantly in place of benched All-Star Russell Westbrook. The MVP of this game was OKC coach Scotty Brooks, because he out-adjusted the Mavericks. There were big mismatches Thursday, like Harden vs. Jason Terry, Durant vs. Shawn Marion, and Eric Maynor vs. Jose Juan Barea. But the biggest mismatch was Brooks vs. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle.”
A big number of you crazy people showed up at the airport last night. This is becoming some sort of weird tradition.
The Mavs aren’t making any excuses.
John Hollinger of ESPN.com: “Eric Maynor made a shot in the lane to stop the bleeding. Kevin Durant posterized Brendan Haywood with a wicked slam, and then picked up a T for letting him know about it. James Harden and Nick Collision came in and each made shots, and then their teammates kept making more. Daequan Cook capped it off with a corner 3, and in the blink of an eye the series had turned. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Ten straight trips, the Thunder scored, ringing up 23 points in less than five minutes. A 28-17 deficit turned into a 40-35 lead, and the Mavs never recovered. And just like that, the game — and perhaps this series — had changed.”
Berry Tramel: “Everyone in American Airlines Center kept looking over at the scorer’s table in the fourth quarter. Time kept ticking. Nine minutes left, six minutes, three minutes left. The Thunder clung to a lead that wavered between tense and perilous, and eyes kept drifting to that table. Surely Russell Westbrook would return. Surely he would bring some fellow starters with him. But Scotty Brooks never pulled the trigger. And it earned him the Thunder’s biggest win ever.”
Darnell Mayberry: “Russell Westbrook is fine. Relax people. I know the majority of Thunder fans know better than to make a big deal out of his fourth-quarter benching and subsequent emotional outburst. But to those that don’t, it’s nothing to be concerned about. If there was a reason to be concerned, it would be if Westbrook wasn’t ticked off about coming out of the game.”
Chris Mannix of SI: “There is a killer in Westbrook, an elite player just itching to get out. Someday the blurring drives he makes to the rim will end in layups or dunks and the short jump shots will consistently fall. But until then Brooks will have to watch him closely and make sure the good plays don’t outnumber the bad. Benching Westbrook for Maynor was a tough call, but the right one. It’s a decision elite coaches make. A label Brooks is starting to grow into.”
Matt Moore of CBSSports.com on Harden’s big night: “Harden’s in his second year. This development shouldn’t be accelerating as quickly as it is. But that’s what teams need to make championship runs: for good players to play great. And that’s what Harden’s done in the face of a matchup advantage. If he keeps producing like this, Harden will get to see if he can duplicate his production in the Finals.”
Mark Cuban complained about the officiating: “While walking off the court, Cuban loudly asked officiating supervisor Bernie Fryer what he thought of the performance of referees Greg Willard, Bill Spooner and Tom Washington. A longtime NBA referee who was seated behind press row at the American Airlines Center, Fryer told Cuban that he thought Thursday night’s crew had been “great” in the first half. “Are you kidding me?” Cuban replied. “You’re not watching the same game I am.” Cuban complained about moving screens and defensive three-second violations by the Thunder that he felt should have been called, among other things. “Horrible,” Cuban said.”
Johnny Ludden of Yahoo! Sports: “Thunder general manager Sam Presti has built this roster deliberately, and Brooks bought into the franchise’s vision. He valued defense. He understood there could be no skipping steps with a team this young. Teaching and development were essential. This wouldn’t be about him, even if, on this night, it truly was. Westbrook sat and sat some more. Brooks never did call his name. He looked onto the floor and liked what he saw. He believed in his guys, he’d say afterward. More than ever, he also gave them a reason to believe in him.”
Kelly Dwyer of Yahoo! Sports: “Let the TV pundits and national columnists (sneering descriptions that we’re now starting to toss out with the same invective those types used to save for “bloggers and dot com’ers” some five years ago, five months ago, five days ago) pump this story up to fulfill their insecure need to turn basketball into mere fodder for that next day’s cable, print, or radio lineup. The real story here, as All-Star Oklahoma Thunder guard Russell Westbrook sat for the entire fourth quarter, is that for small one-possession stretches Dallas’ defense was no good when it needed to be, and its offense was lacking when it needed to be. And that Oklahoma City won, and took the homecourt advantage in the victory.”
Thunderooskis head over to http://zardsalards.blogspot.com/2011/05/dr-funk.html and commence discussing the miraculous Mr. Harden
<blockquote
Thunder head coach Scott Brooks promptly took Westbrook, who had four turnovers, out of the game. Brooks slapped the all-star point guard on his backside as he walked by him. Westbrook turned around and glared at the court. Then, when Brooks walked toward him and made a comment, Westbrook yelled, “I’m trying to run the [expletive] play, man. Tell them to run the [expletive] play.”
Just wanted to add that not only did Scott pat him on the rear he also said pass the ball. That's what set Russ off.
Perkins Game Face :
I’m one of the biggest brooks bashers out there from time to time (ok most of the time) but he absolutely made the right choice to stick with Maynor. Imagine if he brings Russ back in and we lose? Brooks gets killed for going away from what was working and Russ gets blamed for the loss. It would be an even bigger sh*t storm than what most the media is talking about today……
(1) I'm pretty sure the Thunder still win with Russ in. (I hate that so many folks elsewhere are saying that the Thunder won <> Brooks kept RW out. These people have a pretty loose grasp on the concept of cause and effect and a little too much confidence in their understanding of basketball and RW's game.)
(2) The problem is that while most of the criticism of RW came from the outside (talking head like Bayless), now it may be perceived to come from inside as well. It's one thing to feel like the media are against you. It's another to feel like the coach is against you.
(3) I think Broussard had it best. Brooks wasn't wrong in keeping Maynor in so long but probably should have brought RW in for the last couple minutes as the game became a free-throw shooting contest. The controversy is quelled, the "rhythm" isn't disrupted (there is no rhythm in the last two minutes), and instead of talking about Brooks' decision, we're focusing on the Thunder's great victory.
Higher education has got me down...I'm snapping into a Slim-Jim for you Macho Man. RIP!!!
I enjoyed the breakdown on the headsize of Barea. Then he slapped the noggin. Way to go on ESPN's analysis. Maybe we can get a stat on Marion's blood loss. I think a study should be done on the aerodynamics of Hardens beard and the success of his threes. And don't forget...the honey badger is a nasty creature. You can't piss off the honey badger or he gets really nasty. Bring it home!!! The honey badger will defend his home!!
I'd like a link to that first take episode you guys are talking once it becomes available.
The memphis fans online were great fans. They weren't delusional, were respectful, knew the game well and enjoyed basketball for basketball. I met a couple at Bricktown Brewery before game 7, and they were great. Their fan base relates to our fan base, being overlooked for the small market. Loving hustle plays and such.
But every fan base has their crazies.
Another side note from First-Take this morning. Apparently we should be called the Oklahoma City Skips, give me a break espn! It was awesome to hear Grant Long put that to rest, saying Skip jumps on and off the bandwagon too much. Love it!
I'm one of the biggest brooks bashers out there from time to time (ok most of the time) but he absolutely made the right choice to stick with Maynor. Imagine if he brings Russ back in and we lose? Brooks gets killed for going away from what was working and Russ gets blamed for the loss. It would be an even bigger sh*t storm than what most the media is talking about today......
In tragic non-Thunder related news: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/post/Report-Randy-8216-Macho-Man-8217-Savage-die?urn=top-wp98
Noooooo!
A quick take on the RW situation, then I'm done:
1) Have NBA writers played the game at any level? There are players who get different treatment. A lot of teams have hotheads who talk too much in the heat of the action. (I should know -- I WAS that guy.) The other players understand. There's no rift here.
2) I think it will be good for Westbrook, from a maturity standpoint. In addition, I think it will be good for our fans because it's going to rally us around him. WE can gripe about Westbrook, but when some LA-based moron starts doing it, well, that's our boy and that ain't cool.
I'd also like to point out how fortunate we are as Thunder fans. These have been two of the best basketball games I've seen in a while. If you have friends who make the same dumb complaints about the NBA (they don't try hard, no defense, they all travel, etc.), sit them down in front of the DVR of these two games.
@KD’s Shooting Hand
HA! we were either in the same area or there were several incidences with Memphis fans that required police intervention. They were TERRIBLE in our area... Kept trying to pick literal fights with everyone, screaming they were going to kick all of our asses...
Floppy Punch! :
Jax Raging Bile Duct :@KD’s Shooting HandI thought Memphis fans were great.
agreed.
I think I may be projecting my experience with Memphis fans in the arena during game 7 upon the rest of the fans.
In my section, there were police involved......
Bayless is saying Chris Paul told him that He loved living in OKC and should be traded for Westbrook. I think someone also mentioned this last night so probably old news. Anyway, OKC will be rocking tomorrow night and Dirk will be Thunderstruck! I knew that comment from Terry about outscoring our bench by himself would come back to haunt him!
THUNDER!!!!
kfmsooner :It’s very sad that today we are not talking about the game itself. What a fantastic win. The defense in the 2nd half was much better, only giving up 43 points. I loved the way JH played, Nick was great. Great great win.
JH was a joy to watch. Nick is a playoff beast. Maynor is pure.
Brooks showed me he had cojones I didn't think he had.
I'm loving life, and getting a big kick out of the media's confusion over RW.
I'm just glad we dont have a 3 day layoff like the ECF, so we don't have to listen to this ridiculous nonstory for too long.
Jax Raging Bile Duct :@KD’s Shooting Hand
I thought Memphis fans were great.
agreed.
Jax Raging Bile Duct :@KD’s Shooting Hand
I thought Memphis fans were great.
+1
KD’s Shooting Hand :
Thunderman :Jalen Rose is nailing it!!!!! On first take!
The question is:
“is the media to blame for wedge with Durant?”
Love it!!!
There first has to be a wedge for someone to be responsible for.
It’s like asking: “Is the media responsible for the wedge that it completely made up and that doesn’t actually exist?”
I know it! It's a shame! I hope our guys don't listen to these guys.
@KD’s Shooting Hand
I thought Memphis fans were great.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2011/news/story?id=6569847&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlines
Source: Botched play cost Westbrook
By Chris Broussard
ESPN.com
Russell Westbrook's angry bench tirade late in the third quarter of Game 2 of the Oklahoma City-Dallas series Thursday stemmed from a botched play, according to a person with direct knowledge of the incident.
In the closing minute of the third quarter of Oklahoma City's 106-100 victory, Westbrook made a play call that his teammates failed to run properly. When the play broke down, Westbrook made a one-on-one move that resulted in a turnover.
Thunder head coach Scott Brooks promptly took Westbrook, who had four turnovers, out of the game. Brooks slapped the all-star point guard on his backside as he walked by him. Westbrook turned around and glared at the court. Then, when Brooks walked toward him and made a comment, Westbrook yelled, "I'm trying to run the [expletive] play, man. Tell them to run the [expletive] play."
Westbrook continued yelling on the bench for roughly a minute, sparking assistant coach Maurice Cheeks to console him while the game was going on.
Westbrook, a second-team all-NBA selection, never re-entered the game, sitting the final 12 minutes, 28 seconds as backup Eric Maynor scored four points and added an assist in the period to help Oklahoma City pull out the victory.
Westbrook was not the only Thunder starter to sit down the stretch. Brooks played Maynor and reserves James Harden, Nick Collison and Daequan Cook along with star Kevin Durant for all but 50 seconds of the fourth quarter.
While presumably angry about not playing in the fourth, Westbrook smiled and cheered on his teammates during the quarter. After the game, he said he had no problem with not playing because "we was winning."
Said Westbrook after the game: "I'm good. I'm just sitting there hoping to get my name called."
Westbrook, whose closest friends on the team are Maynor and Harden, is viewed as "the little brother" on the team, according to the person close to the situation. His teammates and other members of the organization know he's volatile and prone to getting angry, but it typically dissipates quickly.
It's very sad that today we are not talking about the game itself. What a fantastic win. The defense in the 2nd half was much better, only giving up 43 points. I loved the way JH played, Nick was great. Great great win.
Jalen Rose is kevin Durant to Skip Bayless' Haywood today on first take! I got to dvr this!
Thunderman :Jalen Rose is nailing it!!!!! On first take!
The question is:
“is the media to blame for wedge with Durant?”
Love it!!!
There first has to be a wedge for someone to be responsible for.
It's like asking: "Is the media responsible for the wedge that it completely made up and that doesn't actually exist?"
yikes so many people in the media have no idea about anything.
i'm so glad we have Russ. that's all I'm gonna say.
I also think the play of the game for me might be the steal Nick had on Dirk when Dirk put it on the floor (which led to a bad possession but ridiculous play from Harden that made me pee a little). Nick put the fear of God into Dirk last night, who is amazing enough that a bad night means 29 points, but man, Nick and Serge in tandem did a whole lot of good work.
Thunderman :Jalen Rose is nailing it!!!!! On first take!
The question is:
“is the media to blame for wedge with Durant?”
Love it!!!
I just saw that too. He did a good job. When Skip started to speak, though, I turned it off.
@Smokey
Awesome!!!!!!!
Jalen Rose is nailing it!!!!! On first take!
The question is:
"is the media to blame for wedge with Durant?"
Love it!!!
@Thunderman
Not much, just some general Thunder knowledge. He did a good job though.
He did tell Skip Bayless that he was on and off the Thunder bandwagon too much.
I just want to point out one really cool thing about this series:
The Mavs and their fans have been outstanding compared to Denver and Memphis fans.
I hate Dallas when they are on the court (have to), but I'm glad they are willing to give the Thunder their due and not make excuses or do a bunch of whinning after a loss.... although they did talk a little smack after Game 1.
KD’s Shooting Hand :@Daniel
Plainview
Dirk is a stud. No doubt about it. And Russ is a hot head. No doubt about that either. But to push the narative that Russ is ripping this team apart by the seems is just silly.
+1
You know what is overrated? Taj Gibson's dunks from the other night.
@Daniel Plainview
Dirk is a stud. No doubt about it. And Russ is a hot head. No doubt about that either. But to push the narative that Russ is ripping this team apart by the seems is just silly.
Smokey :
Grant Long is on First Take. Everybody Thunder-realted is living good these days.
Love it love it love it love it.
What did he say? Anything of note? I missed it! Dangit!
Cpt. C-note :Baby Rumble update: Great news, fans of superstition!The doctor said we’ll do the C-section on Sunday, conditions permitting!Mama and baby C-note are fine and will continue to root on our Thunder from the 6th floor of Mercy, while I will attempt to be the loudest citizen in Loud City w/ my crazy brother and Stella!
Time to crush the hopes and dreams of the Mavs!We’re The Honey Badger. They’re the mouse…or cobra or bees or whatever.One mission, one team, one goal.9 down, 7 to go.Go THUNDER!
You took the campaign to recruit new Thunder fans quite seriously, didn't ya?
Way to go C-note! Thunder up, baby out!
Note this, Derrick Willaims will be a bust in the NBA
@Daniel Plainview
At one point it was on to have him last night, then it changed all the sudden. I defiantly felt the anxiety...
@Cpt. C-note
Glad to hear everything is alright! I apologize, through my anxiety and joy lastnight, I interpreted that Mrs C-Note already had her.
exodus195 :
@Mark!
yessir
Do you have a higher res version of the KD pic?
It's annoyed me for a long time whenever Skip claims to be an OU fan. Now it annoys me when he claims to be a Thunder fan.
@KD’s Shooting Hand Yes, and one big game by Dirk and that tried to immoratlaize him. they are undoubtedly, very impressionable, adult children (Says teh man who sepneds most of his internet time looking up facts about teh thunder and talking on DT all day)
Baby Rumble update: Great news, fans of superstition!
The doctor said we'll do the C-section on Sunday, conditions permitting!
Mama and baby C-note are fine and will continue to root on our Thunder from the 6th floor of Mercy, while I will attempt to be the loudest citizen in Loud City w/ my crazy brother and Stella!
Time to crush the hopes and dreams of the Mavs!
We're The Honey Badger. They're the mouse...or cobra or bees or whatever.
One mission, one team, one goal.
9 down, 7 to go.
Go THUNDER!
Grant Long is on First Take. Everybody Thunder-realted is living good these days. :)
Love it love it love it love it.
Am I the only one who thinks there is too much focus on Westbrook and none on the fact that the THUNDER BEAT DALLAS in DALLAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Two things:
1) Among all the great performances last night, I think Nick Collison's work on defense is really being overlooked. He is such a good PnR defender. To limit Dirk/Barea and Dirk/Kidd the way he did is just awesome. The guys from Tree and Leaf need to get Nick a shirt. I know the old "Collison's Crew" doesn't show up a games anymore. But the reference is awesome, since Nick always brings his hard hat and tool belt!
2) ESPN sucks. The way they pump these false naratives is just embarassing. Westbrook is an emotional player. Maynor and Harden had great nights. That's all there is to it. Sray out our kids heads!
Westbrook has become the media's whipping boy these playoffs. The media loves Durant. He's accessible to them, personable, doesn't snap back or call out certain reporters, is seen as a guy that does everything the right way. So their attention has to be on someone, so they shift to Westbrook.
The issue with Westbrook, and its a conversation I think he, Presti, and Brooks need to have at the end of the season, is does he see himself as a guy a team can build around and does he want to be in that position?
@Floppy Punch!
Thanks! That's what I was looking for! I was at Picasso Cafe, and we didn't have the volume up at halftime, but I saw they showed some of the speech. I wondered what he was saying, because he looked so animated.
@divisadero
Spot on.
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
I thought the exact same thing!
@Floppy Punch!
+2
@Smokey
+1
The TBJ guys call it "ESPN’s pathetic 'Russell Westbrook is furious' narrative"
http://blogs.thescore.com/tbj/2011/05/20/ep-719-thunder-swim-deep/