Six years after leaving the team... OKC fans still haven't forgotten the MVP
Six years after leaving the team... OKC fans still haven't forgotten the MVP
Blog Article
Oklahoma City fans welcomed Westbrook back.
The Denver Nuggets won 121-119 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the second round of the NBA Western Conference Playoff in the 2024-2025 season at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City was expected to easily win the game. Denver faced the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 7 just two days ago, while Oklahoma City advanced to a 4-0 record in the first round and rested early. Game 1 was even held at home to Oklahoma City.
Nikola Jokic, however, turned the tables with his magical performance. Jokic led his team to victory with his all-time one-man show of 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists. Aaron Gordon also led the team to a dramatic come-from-behind victory by scoring a three-point shot at the last opportunity when the team was trailing 118-119 by one point.
There is another player who cannot be left out. It was Russell Westbrook who faced his former team. Westbrook performed perfectly with 18 points and 2 rebounds on the day. The offense was good, but his performance in defense was very impressive. He showed off his outstanding defense capability against Oklahoma City ace Shai Gilgers-Alexander. In addition, Westbrook also assisted Gordon's come-from-behind 3-pointer. Westbrook led his team to victory by making accurate decisions in a tense situation.
Westbrook's performance must have made Oklahoma City fans smile bitterly. Westbrook was selected by Oklahoma City with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. 2008 was Oklahoma City's first season moving from Seattle. In other words, Westbrook was an original member of Oklahoma City.
Westbrook immediately had full potential and emerged as an NBA superstar by forming a one-two punch with Kevin Durant. Even after Durant left the team, he remained in Oklahoma City and won the MVP award. After that, another superstar named Paul George left Oklahoma City and was traded to the Houston Rockets after consultation with the Oklahoma City, which declared its rebuilding.
Unlike other players, Westbrook's transfer process was very neat. Both the players and the team wanted a trade, and they parted ways for the right price. Oklahoma City fans, even though they didn't know Durant and George, thanked and cheered Westbrook.
After leaving Oklahoma City, Westbrook has become a journeyman. After playing for the Houston Astros, the Washington Wizards, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Clippers, he joined Denver starting this season. Westbrook has assisted Jokic by playing the role of six-man in Denver, and he has emerged as a Denver hero with his surprise performance in the playoffs. 온라인바카라
This Westbrook met his former team in the second round like a prank of fate. Naturally, there was no choice but to be an emotional reaction.
In a pregame interview, Westbrook said, "Oklahoma City was my starting point and it's still home for me. I know that Oklahoma City fans are still rooting for me. And the reason why they still love me is because I always do my best. I love Oklahoma City, too, but I'll do my best on the field." The interview showed his affection for the city and its fans.
Oklahoma City fans also welcomed Westbrook. When Westbrook appeared, they applauded and cheered in unison. It was a beautiful scene.
It is a series with so many things to see, including Jokic and Gilzer-Alexander, the confrontation between the two MVP candidates, and Westbrook's opponent. Who will be the final winner of this series.