Russell Westbrook and the Houston Rockets may have left the NBA bubble disappointed after an early playoff exit, but he apparently made the day of their hotel housekeepers once he left.
Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News first reported Tuesday that Westbrook left an $8,000 tip for the housekeepers of the Grand Floridian hotel where the Rockets stayed in the Disney bubble. Townsend adds that Westbrook reportedly left his room virtually spotless. Alykhan Bijani of the The Athletic later confirmed the report:
I can confirm that this is indeed true.
An incredibly classy move from @russwest44 #Rockets https://t.co/gofhZCdn6X
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) October 6, 2020
Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks also has a statement from Westbrook:
Spoke to Russ Westbrook. Confirmed he left a generous tip & thank you letter to housekeepers in the bubble. He didnt disclose the amount
"They took great care of us. Took the time and energy to do their job at a high level. That was the right thing. I like to do the right thing"
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) October 6, 2020
Westbrook made this touching gesture after the Rockets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The 31-year-old Westbrook was unable to immediately join his teammates in the bubble after testing positive for COVID-19 in July. He was also unable to get a rhythm once inside the bubble due to a right quad injury, which set him back.
Westbrook was able to return to play in the Rockets’ first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his former team, but later admitted that he was less than 100%. In eight playoff games, the nine-time All Star averaged 17.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 42.1% from the field.
The future of Westbrook and the Rockets is uncertain after head coach Mike D’Antoni declined to return to the team after their playoff exit. But what is certain, however, is that the Grand Floridian housekeepers will never forget this classy gesture by one of the game’s most intense and competitive players.
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