Russell Westbrook will make his postseason debut for the Rockets on Saturday, as he is set to play in the team’s Game 5 matchup against the Thunder, the team announced.
Westbrook missed Houston’s first four playoff battles against Oklahoma City due to a strained right quadriceps. The former league MVP reportedly looked “as explosive as ever” during a 5-on-5 scrimmage on Thursday as he prepared to rejoin his teammates on the court.
With the series tied 2-2, the addition of Westbrook gives the Rockets a major boost as Houston has dropped the last two games after opening the round with two straight wins over Oklahoma City. However, head coach Mike D’Antoni noted that Westbrook would likely be under some sort of minutes restriction upon his return.
In his first season with the Rockets, Westbrook posted his usual great numbers, averaging 27.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG and 7.0 APG in 57 contests. Westbrook’s 47.2% field goal percentage was the highest of his career and his scoring average was his best since his MVP season in 2017.
Dont think this will make any difference. If anything, this only weakens Houston’s D
It made a little difference. Even with their “weakened defense” they still managed to give up 80 points. And that’s with their best defender PJ Tucker getting ejected after being punched in his family jewels. Of course when Chris Paul did the exact same thing in an earlier game he got away with it. Bunch of dirty players who somehow get away with so many calls, terrible officiating. Deplorable IMHO.
Guaranteed at least one technical tonite from him….question is will he get the second before his minutes restriction is up?
The only reason he would get a technical is if the poor officiating from the first four games continues in this one. OKC has shot 50% more free throw attempts than Houston, so hopefully this game will be called more evenly.
More like 34% relax.
OKC (106 FTA). Hou (70 FTA)
Harden has 37 FTA. Next one is Gordon 14.
Gallinari has 25 FTA. We can all look it up. No Westbrook no else goes to rim. Rockets gave no rim protector. So they have to foul. You’re not blaming the refs are you. With Westbrook it would be closer.
Thunder FGA 341, 3PTA 140.
Rockets FGA 363, 3PTA 216.
This tells you Thunder attacking rim. Which they should do to small ball. So therefore more calls.
Don’t worry bro. They should beat Thunder. Rockets not built to win rings. Lakers bigs will show that.
I have always said this. NBA today should be able to go small or big. You have 15 man roster. There is more talent around today. Just being playing small. Means you are small. That’s not a recipe for championships. And before you say it again. Warriors were not a small ball team. They could go big always. If this was a recipe for winning. DAntoni would have been resigned already. So apparently your owner doesn’t believe either. Not hating man, always liked Westbrook, DAntoni not Harden so much. Just basketball talk.
Need to work on the math there. Houston’s 70 FTAs, half of that is 35, add that to 70 you get 105. So 50% is correct.
Even though the Rockets had their largest margin of victory in franchise history, the refs yet again did their best to try and keep OKC in the series. The Thunder are still getting to the free throw line 50% more than the Rockets, 129-84. Luckily for them all of the extra games given to OKC has allowed Westbrook more time to get back on the court, so thank you blatantly biased refs.
Man are you gonna carry on much longer with your crying, woohoing, whining, screaming, winging, more crying & sobbing about HOU! They simply ain’t not good. & if they go through they will have overachieved this season, so one must wonder why you keep moaning?
Anyone unbiased see antiHouston refs?