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Why Russell Westbrook’s Career Night Was Bittersweet

By kmartinez

Jan 28, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Thunder 100-92. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Thunder 100-92. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last night, Russell Westbrook scored a controversial career-high 54 points in a crucial 116-104 loss against the Indiana Pacers.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently in a battle with the New Orleans Pelicans for the eighth playoff seed. The teams are sitting on 43-37 records after losing their contests yesterday, but unfortunately for OKC, the Pelicans own the tiebreaker and have the Thunder on the outside looking in.

Looking at the box scores, one would first notice Westbrook’s 54 points to go along with nine rebounds and eight assists.

Secondly, they would see that it took him 43 field goal attempts, including 3-of-15 shooting from beyond the arc in order to get his points, which is 27 more attempts than what Dion Waiters took.

Westbrook critics are going to have a ball with this one. But the truth is, if they didn’t have Westbrook last night, the Thunder would have lost by much more than 12 points. He had to do just about everything for them. Sure, the shot attempts may have been a bit excessive, but he only turned the ball over twice. Maybe he should have brought that up to reporters after they asked him about his shot selection.

It is all subjective though. Some may believe in the philosophy that a point guard should never be anywhere near 40-plus field goal attempts. Others may recognize that the current NBA is different than in years past. Players are more athletically and offensively gifted which should allow players like Westbrook to have a longer leash. It’s all about one’s opinion.

Personally, I’m fine with his shot selection. The team is obviously not 100 percent healthy and needs someone to step up. If anything, his teammates should be criticized for allowing him to take those shot and not being more aggressive.

What may have the biggest implications on the Thunder’s season, but won’t show up in the box scores, is Westbrook’s 16th technical foul of the season. Because of league rules, Westbrook will be suspended for their next contest, and he will be forced to miss Monday’s game at home versus the Portland Trail Blazers.

UPDATE: The NBA has rescinded Russell Westbrook’s 16th technical foul, which means he will play in tonight’s game against Portland.

The technical foul may be rescinded by league officials after review, but it didn’t take long for Westbrook’s teammate Kevin Durant, to share his feelings about the call on social media.

If Westbrook should miss Monday’s contest, the Thunder are likely to drop another must-win game, which may be the final nail in the coffin of their playoff aspirations. The team simply has too many injuries to key players to even stand a chance without their star point guard.

This puts the league in an odd position as many believe the technical wasn’t warranted. Many expect them to reverse the call and allow Westbrook to play.

All eyes will be on the NBA Monday afternoon and it will be interesting to see what is made of the call.

One thing is for sure though, Westbrook’s night will be remembered, but for all the wrong reasons.

Next: NBA: Who's Going To Win The No. 2 Seed In The West?

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