Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook’s wild night

In the biggest victory in Thunder history, Russell Westbrook had a wild night. In many ways, he kept the Thunder afloat in the first half. In many ways, he almost sank the Thunder in the fourth quarter.

Just a typical night at the office for the all-star point guard. Westbrook had 23 points but needed 24 shots (making nine) to get them. He also had 12 assists, which is his second-most ever in a playoff game (Westbrook already has played 37 playoff games). And Westbrook had six turnovers, which is way too high, but he’s had as many as eight and seven in a post-season game.

A really bad stretch came in the final minutes. A Tim Duncan dunk drew the Spurs within 101-93. Then Westbrook was called for double dribble. Duncan scored again, 101-95. Then Westbrook was called for an offensive foul against Tony Parker. Duncan made two foul shots, 101-97. Finally, the Thunder messed up an inbounds play — James Harden’s pass to Westbrook resulted in a backcourt violation.

But after the Spurs drew within 101-99, Westbrook hit a 16-foot jumper to make it 103-99. That’s sort of the way Westbrook plays. He’s got little memory, which can be a very good thing.

“Man, I’m going to continue to play aggressive, whatever is going on,” Westbrook said. “I might turn over the ball. It’s definitely a learning process for me, a learning stage for myself. You know, that’s part of the job, and Kevin, James and those guys picked me up even when things were going downhill, and they did that tonight.”