Just one week ago fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder likely had no idea who Patrick Beverley was, but after his attempted steal left Russell Westbrook hobbled and out of the playoffs, the fans will be coming after the rookie hard when the Houston Rockets head back to OKC for Game 5.
According to ESPN.com, Beverley injured Westbrook when his hip collided with the point guard's knee while trying to make a steal, which resulted in a torn meniscus in his knee for Westbrook and a smattering of boos and threats to Beverley. The OKC ball boy threatened him on Twitter and the police needed to investigate and Game 5 is expected to be even more intense, as Houston won game 4 to stave off a sweep 105-102.
Beverley said he had no intention of hurting Westbrook and many called the play unnecessary, as he was pulling up to call a timeout. The Thunder won without Westbrook in Game 3 before falling in Game 4 and one of the only reasons the rookie was out on the court anyway way due to Jeremy Lin dealing with a chest injury. Westbrook needed surgery and for the first time in his career he is missing games with the Thunder.
Durant has stepped up during that time and he had 41 and 38 points in the two games without his star point guard, while the Rockets have been figuring out how to win without Lin. James Harden had 10 turnovers in Game 4, but he has been much better in the other games and for the Rockets to have any chance of extending the series, he will need to continue that strong play.
Reggie Jackson has been solid in his place and now the Rockets will try to take down the Thunder at home for the first time, giving Harden a chance to stick to his former team on the road. Lin tried to play in Game 3 after missing the second half of Game 2 and he made it through 18 minutes before being kept out of the lineup for Game 4. It's unclear if he will be able to play in Game 5 and Beverley has made the most of his opportunity, playing tough and hard to the whistle.
Beverley had a solid line in the game of 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and zero turnovers on Monday and that type of performance will be what the team needs next.
"That's a freakish accident, that play," Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince said. "I'm pretty sure the Oklahoma City fans will be pretty pissed off at Beverly."
"He's a tough kid," Rockets coach Kevin McHale said of Beverley. "He's not afraid to take shots. He's not afraid to make shots. He's not afraid to make plays."
