Russell Westbrook looks set to return to make his big debut in these special 2020 Playoffs. After two defeats and record breaking bricks, the Rockets point guard should be in gear to give his teammates a hand in an almost decisive Game 5 against his former Oklahoma buddies.
As expected, the series between the OKC Thunder and the Houston Rockets is the tightest of this first round in the bubble. James Harden and the Texas Gunners took the first two games lightly, but that was before the CP3 / SGA / Schroder trio woke up to snatch the equalizer after two hotly contested games. In short, 2-2, ball in the center and this Game 5 promises to be decisive already on the Orlando side. The perfect moment to free the Marsupilami from the bench and let him screw up in a defense of OKC who was starting to get a little bored in front of the opposing three-point line and who will now have to manage the second thief of the Rockets. Held on the bench since August 11 and quadriceps elongation, we could feel the Brodie stamping impatiently on the Houston bench. The Rockets were able to test their point guard last Thursday for his first five-on-five practice since his injury. And after ESPN who quotes a source close to the team, Russell Westbrook hasn’t lost any of his explosiveness and should be dressed for Game 5 although Mike D’Antoni might consider a playing time restriction.
After four games over 50 three-point shots attempted, and even a playoff record at 58, the Rockets will be able to slow down a bit on the brick throw and enjoy the percussion and aggression towards their leader’s circle. In his absence, the Brodie’s tickets shoots were divided between the Houston shooters, and it was especially Eric Gordon who had to don the costume of second offensive option by turning at 19.3 points in this series, but with a horrible 22.7% at three points (for 8.5 attempts per game!). In short, Mike D’Antoni and the Rockets were anxiously awaiting the return of Westbrook, surely even more motivated to face the franchise where he has spent the last ten years. In four appearances in the bubble he was turning to 24.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. A significant contribution to try to circumvent the obstacle OKC in a series a little special for Russell Wesbrook.
The Harden / Westbrook duo will return tonight to the delight of the Rockets Nation: no room for error for Houston after two consecutive losses. For his part Russ, who has not passed the first round of the Playoffs since 2017, will be keen to show his ex that he has moved on.
Text source: ESPN
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