Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook was not in uniform for the second consecutive contest as the Rockets and James Harden faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their first-round series. But he brought his energy from the bench.
Westbrook was emphatic on Houston's bench, coaching up his teammates and even speaking with the referees during timeouts. The former league MVP was also clapping and cheering after big plays, especially when the Rockets made a big run midway through the game to take a commanding lead.
Russ and Harden were amped on the bench 😤 pic.twitter.com/LKVqMhCyrC
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 20, 2020
Westbrook could just as easily have sulked in disappointment with his quad continuing to give him troubles. But James Harden said he expects nothing less from his Rockets co-star.
Harden hilariously reacted to Westbrook's emphatic display of fandom during his postgame interview, saying “He better be cheering he got nothing else to do.”
"He better be cheering he got nothing else to do …"
Harden on Russ being hyped on the bench 😂 pic.twitter.com/Y4YrZsutk5
— ESPN (@espn) August 20, 2020
The Rockets rode Westbrook and Harden's energy to a crucial victory and a 2-0 series lead, despite a woeful shooting performance from “The Beard.”
Harden shot just 5-for-16 from the field while also making just two of his 11 three-point attempts. But the Rockets had seven different players in double figures, and also committed just seven turnovers while forcing 15 Thunder giveaways.
As for Westbrook, he can take solace in knowing the Rockets are in the driver's seat, whenever he should be ready to return.
Houston continues to evaluate Westbrook and his quad injury on a day-to-day basis, but his teammates have been there to pick up the slack in his absence.
If Thursday was any indication, Westbrook is just as involved in street clothes as he is when he suits up for the Rockets.
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