Remote patrol: Analysts debate on benching of Russell Westbrook

“He (Brooks) told him to pass the ball, and Westbrook didn't respond,” Van Gundy said. “This happened at the end of the second quarter as well. He has to be open to the fact at the end of the quarter he has to make better plays.”

The ESPN game analysts then spent much of the fourth quarter debating whether Westbrook should re-enter the game.

Mark Jackson said he would have gone back to Westbrook midway through the fourth quarter for more shooting and rebounding. After the game, studio analyst Michael Wilbon said he supported Brooks' decision, noting Eric Maynor had no turnovers in 20 minutes while Westbrook had four turnovers.

Studio analyst Magic Johnson, a Hall of Fame guard, said Westbrook needed to shake off the benching and come back strong in Game 3.

“You've got to walk into the locker room, and you've got to high-five the reserves and tell them a great job. Forget everything. We got the victory. That's all that matters.”

Speaking on the FSOK postgame show, Thunder TV announcer Brian Davis agreed with Brooks' decision to stick with Maynor.

“Russell Westbrook is a third-year player in the NBA,” he said. “There are times when he needs to sit by the coach and watch. This is one of those cases.”

Massive dunk

The game and studio analysts marveled at Kevin Durant's powerful dunk late in the first quarter that they credited with changing the game's momentum. ESPN replays captured Durant's amazing liftoff.

Van Gundy said: “This has to be the top play in the NBA all year. That is some elevation, and he gave Peja Stojakovic whiplash.”