Russell Westbrook (photo. NBA)At one point during last night’s Grizzlies/Thunder game, Pat sent me this e-mail: “More people bought tickets to watch me eat breakfast this morning than to this game.” After tuning in to confirm that, yes, the announced attendance of 11,977 at Memphis’ FedEx Forum was a bold-faced lie, I didn’t stick around to experience the NBA’s version of a Bigfoot sighting: An Oklahoma City Thunder victory.
Kevin Durant dropped 30 to help OKC push their record to 2-16, and Russell Westbrook made his first pro start at point guard, recording 12 points, four assists and two steals. I called it at the start of the season that Westbrook would take Earl Watson’s job by Christmas; turns out I gave Watson too much credit and the rook got it done just after Turkey Day. The Oklahoman’s Darnell Mayberry writes from yesterday’s game notes:
[Scott] Brooks said moving Earl Watson to the bench was more about evaluating Russell Westbrook as a starter than not being satisfied with Watson.
“I love what Earl brings,” Brooks said. “He’s a tough defender, a team leader and he’s going to be put in a role in which we need that spark and leadership off the bench right now.”
Whatever Brooks says, barring an injury to Westbrook, I doubt Watson will be back in the starting lineup anytime soon. But he’s always been a better backup PG than a starter anyway. The Thunder are all about rebuilding and developing its young talent, so Westbrook should get more minutes and take his lumps now.
Source: The Oklahoman
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Sweet English says:
lol @ 12,000 people watching Pat eat his cereal.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:32 am
kobeef says:
How is it that the thunder’s fans have lost interest already. They had a better turnout than this as a lame-duck team in seattle.
On a positive note, I am glad to see Westbrook move the starting line. He is an exciting player..maybe more people will pay to watch now…
November 30th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Ian says:
why does Durant always seem so disinterested? he gotta realize its being built from the ground up and he is a big part of it. he has to show more love and show up every night. i know the other team’s gameplan focuses on him, but dude is THE superstar on this squad, no excuses.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:58 am
YOUNGFED says:
Can’t believe some guys thought Wessy West was gonna be better than Mayo/Rose…. BTW has anyone heard from Bayless wasn’t Dime hyping this kid up.
November 30th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
JCARR says:
Can the Thunder do the opposite of a 72-10 record???
November 30th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
phil b says:
bayless is glued to the pdx bench right now… probably not too happy about it either, but at least he’s on a winning team.
November 30th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
bill says:
i’d go to fed ex centre every game just for the chance to see adriana lima
November 30th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Skywalker says:
Jaric is the luckiest baller ever!