SACRAMENTO – Russell Westbrook has a single focus when he trots onto the basketball court, no matter who the opponent is, even if it’s the team that drafted him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and paid him $166 million over 11 seasons.
That was the scenario presented to Westbrook on Friday night at Golden 1 Center when the NBA’s best team so far this season rolled into town
The Oklahoma City Thunder, home to Westbrook during his early NBA days, had the look of a team very much bent on making a trip back to the NBA Finals to defend their title.
True to his word, Westbrook remained calm throughout.
There were no sentimental moments or long-ago memories to ponder over. Just straight pure hoopin’.
“I play the same way every night, compete at the highest level given the opportunity,” Westbrook said after the Kings’ 132-101 NBA Cup loss to the Thunder. “Who’s on the other side doesn’t change the energy and effort I’m going to play with.”
Westbrook has shown plenty of both in the last few weeks.
He had scored in double figures in six consecutive games heading into Friday, then extended that streak with 24 points against OKC. Westbrook was 9 of 17 from the floor, made five 3s to go with nine assists and six rebounds.
Not bad for a guy who has been playing out of position lately.
With power forward Keegan Murray still recovering from thumb surgery, Kings coach Doug Christie has tried experimenting with different players and rotations.
Westbrook had adapted fairly well and was one of, if not the only, bright spots on a night when the Kings were taken to the woodshed by the Thunder.
Oklahoma City dominated Sacramento in the paint, forcing 17 turnovers that led to 23 points, and had an easy time easing through the Kings’ defense.
Thunder 7-footer Isaiah Hartenstein destroyed the Kings down low to the tune of a career-high 33 points and 19 rebounds.
He had plenty of help, too, as all five OKC starters scored in double figures, as did backup Isaiah Joe.
“If it wasn’t big fella, Hartenstein, going down the lane, the guard was getting around the corner,” Kings coach Doug Christie said. “Unacceptable. We have to make sure that we can contain the basketball.”
Westbrook said there was a combination of issues that fueled the breakdowns.
“Just (got) real stagnant offensively,” Westbrook said. “When we move the ball and play with pace it allows us to be able to cut, get to the rim, finish. We just missed a lot of our opportunities. It starts with our defense, too.“
