Friday night did not go as planned for Russell Westbrook. Entering their game against the Phoenix Suns, many believed they were going to win easily and that he will make history by becoming the player with the most triple-doubles in a season. However, both did not happen on the night.
The 28-year-old UCLA product reportedly did not leave Suns' practice gym late that night as he worked on his jumpshot after a dismal shooting performance. Westbrook only made 6-for-25 from the field, along with 12 rebounds and eight assists, which led to their blowout loss, 120-99.
Head coach Billy Donovan discussed, via Marc. J. Spears of The Undefeated, how much he appreciates his star guard's competitive drive and his will to further improve his game.
“That’s what makes him great, My wife was back in Florida for spring break. So what am I going to do? Go home? I can’t cook. So what do I do? I stay in the office. Nine o’clock [at night], 9:30, here he comes rolling in on the shooting gun. We had an off day and I told the guys to get away after a long stretch we had, no practice, no nothing. 5:30 at night, here he comes into the weight room lifting by himself.
“He’s really, really, really just committed. He didn’t shoot the ball well. He probably felt those were shots he should have made. He’s going to go in there and feel better about walking out of this building tonight.”
Westbrook apparently worked on his own and did not even ask any of the team's staff to assist him in passing and retrieving the ball after every shot. He wanted to be alone and remain completely focused on getting over one of his worst shooting performances this year.
He explained why he decided to be without anyone in the gym, and also said he feels responsible for the Thunder losing the game.
“That’s just something me and my dad [used to do]. My dad always told me to get my mind right. That’s just something I always used to do. I always remember that. It can be therapeutic, whatever you want to call it. For me it’s just overall getting my s— together …
“You understand how important the game is. I want to make sure I’m playing the best I can for my teammates and I feel like tonight I let them down in that aspect.”
This is certainly good news for the Oklahoma City faithful as Westbrook is showing a lot of dedication to helping their team reach even more success. With the Thunder already assured of a playoff spot, it can be expected that he will play at a higher level in the postseason, and will not settle for anything short of a deep run starting next week.
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