TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH GUY GUYGUYGUY Defenders stay close to R ussell Westbrook when he has the ball 4
Point guard Russell Westbrook was already known as one of the NBA’s toughest players But Oklahoma City Thunder fans didn’t know just how tough he could be He showed everyone on March 4 2015 when he returned to the court Just four days earlier he’d had surgery to repair a broken bone in his face Wearing a mask to protect his face Westbrook was at his best as the Thunder battled the Philadelphia 76ers He drove toward the basket bouncing off the defenders who were in his way 5
Westbrook hit shots from near the basket and from a long distance His pinpoint passes set up teammates for easy scores He even battled for tough rebounds The game went to overtime with the score tied With 38 seconds left in overtime Westbrook made a jump shot to give the Thunder a three-point lead Then he sank five of six free throws to help seal the Westbrook usually shoots right-handed but he can score with his left hand too 6
Westbrook pumps his fist in celebration after sinking another basket against the 76ers victory Westbrook finished the game with 49 points 16 rebounds and 10 assists It was his fourth straight triple double It’s amazing watching him play said Philadelphia’s Jason Richardson He takes no plays off He plays hard on both ends of the court He rebounds It’s amazing to see a guy who has that much passion about winning 7
