Russell Westbrook's season has been dogged by questions about what impact his ball-dominant play has on the rest of his team. His numbers and the triple-double average are undeniable, but the Thunder have often looked unprepared once Westbrook had to take a seat on the bench.
When a reporter thought to question the dynamic after the Thunder's Game Four loss to the Houston Rockets, Westbrook wasn't too pleased, as you can tell above.
For those of you who can't watch the video, here's a transcript:
There are a couple ways of to interpret this response. On the one hand, Westbrook not wanting there to be a barrier between he and his boys is a good thing. Rather than pouting and blaming his team for falling off when he hits the bench, Westbrook spoke up and made it clear he doesn't want the play of his teammates to be judged apart from his own. If nothing else, it preserves the unity the Thunder already has.
But at the same time, Westbrook's defiant rant is sort of the trouble with the way this team operates. The question is very clearly directed at Steven Adams, yet Westbrook takes control and dismisses the reporter's question after he's done lecturing him. As he's trying to explain why he shouldn't be judged any differently than his teammates, Westbrook refuses to allow one of those teammates voice his own thoughts on the matter. Even if it's unlikely that Adams would have given anything other than a stock answer about everyone needing to pick it up, Westbrook only reinforces the idea that he can't relinquish control.
An alternative theory posed by ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz offers yet another wrinkle to the story:
Related Stories
Russell Westbrook Reportedly "Angry" Kevin Durant Didn't Personally Tell Him He Was Leaving
Russell Westbrook is "angry and hurt" because Kevin Durant didn't tell him personally that he was leaving for the Golden State Warriors.
Kevin Durant Reportedly Told Russell Westbrook He Would Re-Sign With the Thunder
Kevin Durant reportedly told Russell Westbrook that he would re-sign with the Thunder just days before signing with the Warriors.
Everyone Forgot About Thunder Center Steven Adams' Birthday
According to Steven Adams, his friends didn't remember his birthday.
There's a lot of truth to this. The guys doing battle alongside Westbrook won't see most of the follow-up reactions to Westbrook's rant, but they'll certainly be aware of their comrade going on a tirade about how he should be judged the same as they are. Fans don't need the media to relay a player or coach's words anymore, because they can view their thoughts directly through social media, video, and elsewhere. Whether the message is 100 percent authentic or not, Westbrook gets the point across to the people it matters to most: his teammates.
Regardless of the motivation behind his message, Westbrook once again found a way to be the biggest story of the game following a loss. You can argue over who should be the NBA's MVP, but there's little doubt over whose season will go down as the most memorable.
Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.
