Russell Westbrook left Thursday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter due to another outburst and disagreement with the team. The All-Star point guard lashed out at his teammates after being called for a turnover that led to head coach Scott Brooks benching him for the remainder of the quarter.
Westbrook was called for a turnover and spiked the ball while yelling at teammates Thabo Sefolosha and Kevin Durant for not being open. He then began hollering towards Brooks near the bench, showing his displeasure with the offensive play. Memphis answered with 10 straight points to make it game. Brooks immediately gave Westbrook the hook, feeling the outburst was unnecessary with the team already being up 25 points.
Westbrook did not take to well to the benching. Already frustrating with the lack of control of the game, he pitched a tantrum on the bench before storming off into the locker room. Assistant coach Maurice Cheeks attempted to calm down Westbrook, but clearly it was ineffective. Westbrook was out 8 minutes before returning in what looked to be a better mood. Brooks said he just need to regroup.
"It was a disagreement. This is a game of basketball. You have so many different emotions on one team. You're going to have disagreements," Durant said.
With Westbrook out, the Grizzlies had a small window of hope to beat the best team in the Western Conference, but were unable to capitalize. Westbrook entered back into the game in the fourth quarter after Memphis pulled within 10 points of the Thunder. He then hit a jumper and set up Durant for a 3-point shot that helped put the Thunder back in a comfortable lead. OKC finished the game off winning 106-89.
This is not the first time Westbrook has let his emotions get the best of him during the game, leaving some to worry that his immaturity might one day get the best of him. But there is no denying his all-around brilliance as a player.
