Houston Rockets superstar point guard Russell Westbrook won't play in Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the former MVP still made sure to honor Kobe Bryant on “Mamba Day.”

James Harden and several other Rockets players did as well:

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/1297970832615124996

Both James Harden and Russell Westbrook had close relationships with Kobe Bryant. The California natives grew up idolizing Bryant, and the Los Angeles Lakers legend was a fan of Harden and Westbrook's game. He often times said Westbrook reminded him of a younger version of himself, while Harden has been getting compared to Bryant lately due to his scoring prowess.

The Rockets lead the Thunder 2-1 in their first-round series. It's unclear, though, when Westbrook will return to the court. He's currently dealing with a lingering quad injury. The Rockets may be able to defeat the Thunder without Westbrook, but they will need the All-Star guard in the second round against the Lakers or Portland Trail Blazers.

During the regular season, Westbrook averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists in 57 starts. Harden, meanwhile, put up 34.3 points, 6.6 boards and 7.5 assists per game.

The Rockets are the only team in the NBA with two MVPs leading the way in the playoffs. General manager Daryl Morey is hoping this is the season the team finally gets over the hump in the Harden era, as Houston hasn't reached the NBA Finals since acquiring Harden from the Thunder in 2012.

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