USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after being ejected from the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Oklahoma City won 123-115. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after being ejected from the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Oklahoma City won 123-115. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers went through an embarrassing loss against the OKC Thunder. In their second game on the road, they started off strong with a 20 point lead in the first quarter. Maintaining the lead entering the second half, Shai Gilgeous Alexander went into attack mode in the third quarter. However, at the end of the game, Russell Westbrook was furious with OKC’s Darius Bazley for rubbing salt in the wound.
The OKC took the game 123-115. Moreover, their late-game defensive strategies made it tough for the purple and gold to make anything happen. While the fourth quarter was intense, the end of the calm sent a clear message. With barely any time left, the Lakers were down by 5 when they tried to initiate a final play.
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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 27, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) defends during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
However, the play did not work out and Bazley got the steal. But it was what he did afterward that led to Westbrook getting a technical.
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Russell Westbrook speaks on his ejection
While Russ recorded his first triple-double in as a Laker, it was a game to forget for him. Despite putting up good numbers, his 10 turnovers hurt the Lakers, especially late in the game. However, he is a true player to the game and remains humble in wins or defeats. This is the main reason he got angry when it came to Bazley.
Traditionally, when the team is up, the players dribble out the clock. However, when Bazley got a steal, he took the ball and dunked it. This left Russ furious as he went right up to him. This also landed him his second technical, leading to an ejection.
Russell Westbrook calls himself "old school" when it comes to Darius Bazley's steal and dunk. Russ: "When shit like that happens I don't let it slide. … There's certain things you just don't do in sports. Game already over and I didn't like it. Simple as that."
— Bill Oram (@billoram) October 28, 2021
When questioned about his actions, Russ explained that he is “old school” with things like these. Russell Westbrook said, “When s*** like that happen, I don’t let it slide.” He also said that there are certain things in sports that you just don’t do. In this case, dribbling out the clock is a sign of respect, and Bazley broke that code. Even his teammate, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, spoke to Bazley after the play, asking him not to do that.
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With all that went down at the end of the play, do you think Russell Westbrook was right for taking that step? Let us know in the comments below.
