Houston Rockets star guard Russell Westbrook made a critical late-game error that cost the Rockets Game 6 in their first-round duel with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Amid the criticisms hurled at Westbrook, James Harden defended his teammate, noting that Westbrook simply made the decision he felt was right.
In the postgame interview explaining what went wrong for the Rockets, Harden revealed that the play was designed for Westbrook to attack the rim.
Rockets’ James Harden on Russell Westbrook’s critical late turnover in Game 6 loss to Thunder: “That play was for Russ to attack the basket. He attacked the basket and he made the decision he felt was open.” pic.twitter.com/DTEfIw2CZm
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) September 1, 2020
That critical turnover was Westbrook's seventh for the game. While stars of the team usually accumulate a number of turnovers, there have been many what-ifs concerning Westbrook's poor showing. After all, it was a close game all throughout. What if Westbrook didn't turn the ball over and the Rockets took the lead? Then they would've booted out the Thunder and there won't be a Game 7.
Fans were quick to slam Westbrook on social media, noting that his carelessness with the ball has been his biggest weakness with the Rockets and elsewhere in his career. Some say that this was the main trigger for the likes of Kevin Durant and Paul George to part ways with him.
Be as it may, Harden expressed his confidence in Westbrook — who's not just his teammate with the Rockets, but also his childhood friend. Harden knows that Westbrook is in full control of the state of things. But things just didn't click in that particular possession.
Game 7 between the Rockets and Thunder will be on Wednesday. It will be the final game of one of the most promising series in the 2020 NBA playoffs. The winner will face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
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