Any Westbrook magic left?
Westbrook trying to avoid what Robertson couldn’t the year he set the triple double record — an early playoff exit
Berry Tramel writes on what could be the final chapter in a remarkable season.
Oscar Robertson’s triple-double season ended in the Cincinnati Gardens.
The Big O posted 32 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists as his Cincinnati Royals lost 112111 to the Detroit Pistons in the Western Division semifinals on March 20, 1962. Oscar toiled 10 seasons with Cincinnati; his Royals never made the NBA Finals.
Russell Westbrook’s historic season could end Tuesday night in the Toyota Center. Like Oscar 55 years ago, Westbrook’s Thunder squad appears a little shy on the talent side, both in terms of championship contention and combating the Houston Rockets, who lead this Western Conference playoff series three games to one.
Westbrook has done the unthinkable — matching Robertson by averaging a triple double
for the entire season — but the only way to trump Oscar is by winning a playoff series. And that’s going to require some more history.
Only 11 times in 498 NBA playoff series has a team overcome a 3-1 deficit. That’s the bad news. But the good news is that it’s happened twice in the three most recent series completed — Warriors over Thunder in the West finals last May, then Cavaliers over Warriors for the league title.
Such a rally would elevate Westbrook’s historic season into mythic status.
But the Thunder can’t win the series Tuesday night. It can only lose the series Tuesday night.
“Gotta win one,” Westbrook said. “That’s it. We just worry about the next game. Outside people, outside things, don’t mean anything. Only thing that matters is people inside this building. That’s the most important part.”
It’s hard to see the Thunder winning three straight. OKC has achieved most of its pre-series goals. The Thunder has limited Houston in transition and has kept a lid on the Rockets’ 3-point shooting. Westbrook is getting help from other sources. Victor Oladipo has found his shot. Andre Roberson, his foul shooting not withstanding, is playing out of his mind. Taj Gibson scored 20 in Game 3; Steven Adams scored 18 in Game 4.
And Westbrook has been phenomenal. His series averages are 35.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.3 assists. Westbrook, who had an NBA-record 42 triple doubles during the regular season, has recorded three straight against Houston.
But the truth is, to extend this season past Tuesday night, the Thunder likely will need more from Westbrook. The Thunder is going to need a great fourth quarter from its superstar.
In Game 2 and Game 4 defeats, the Thunder lost fourth-quarter leads. Westbrook in this series has averaged 1.0 assist a game and shot 31.6 percent from the field. Those who say Westbrook has resorted to hero ball are wrong. As much as anything, his Thunder ‘mates have stagnated and too often looked to Westbrook to single-handedly save the day.
That’s not likely to change until his core of mostly 25-and-younger players grows up a tad.
“We can’t change too much for Russell at all,” Billy Donovan said. “They were very very aggressive with Russell in pick-and-roll coverage (in Game 4). We’ve got to get to different spots on the floor a little quicker and sooner and we’ve got to recognize when they’re sending two people at him.”
In other words, Westbrook is going to have shoulder more load. Make more and better decisions. Score more efficiently. Will this good but not great team to victory in Game 5. Live to fight another day. Raise the ante on Oscar Robertson.
That’s asking a lot. But what else is new?
Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at (405) 760-8080 or at btramel@oklahoman.com. He can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including FM98.1. You can also view his personality page at newsok.com/berrytramel.