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The Houston Rockets saw a key piece return to their lineup in the team’s Game 5 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder to take a 3-2 series lead.
TAKEAWAY: Harden, Rockets sail to Game 5 win
All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook returned to action for the first time in two weeks after missing the Rockets’ last six games with a quadriceps injury. The point guard has only appeared in three of the team’s 12 games since joining the Orlando bubble, but after a couple of days of practice, he was ready to get back on the floor with a minute restriction.
What did Westbrook look like on his return? We have you covered with some ideas below.
What did Russell Westbrook look like in his first comeback game?
Before the start of the game, head coach Mike D’Antoni made it clear that the former MVP would only be available for “25 to 28 minutes” in Game 5. Due to the team’s run in the third quarter that opened the game, was able to keep Westbrook below that stadium range, as he only saw 24 minutes in the contest.
Westbrook would get off to a slow start, only hitting two of his first eight shots of the game before halftime. He never found his touch in this small playing-time sample size, finishing the game with seven points shooting 3 of 13 (23.1%) from the field and 0 of 2 from beyond the arc.
Despite the low scoring night, Westbrook made his impact felt on the defensive end, on the glass and with his playmaking ability. He would finish with seven rebounds, six assists and a steal plus 21 +/- to represent his influence in his first game back.
The Brodie still had moments of looking like his usual explosive self, breaking through defensive glass to transition out with a head full of steam. Take a look at this example that perfectly describes the problem Westbrook presents to opposing defenses.
Westbrook in transition just adds a lot to Houston because of the attention it attracts. Watch him push, three OKC defenders focused on him. Kick Gordon, who can attack a driving lane and finish. These plays have been missing. pic.twitter.com/0L7SeCNgDX
– Steve Jones Jr. (@ stevejones20) August 29, 2020
And then there were plays like this below, where Westbrook is simply evaluating his showdown with Danilo Gallinari, but has the eyes of every player on the court, finding a PJ Tucker wide open for 3.
Russ finding PJ for 3. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/HKKthcpUXr
– Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 29, 2020
He did it again to start the second half, getting the full attention of the defense when he targeted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The result: another open triple, this time for Robert Covington.
.@ russwest44 ➡️ @ Holla_At_Rob33 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bGj6jkQoJf
– Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 29, 2020
This is the kind of attention and gravity that Russ brings to the game that Rockets shooters have been waiting for. Even in limited playing time with a mediocre stat line, Westbrook found a way to make winning plays to give his team a much-needed boost.
Houston will look to close out its series with the Thunder on Tuesday, September 1.
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