NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 01: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stand on the court during the first half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams got in heated exchange in Game 4
The Houston Rockets appeared to be in serious trouble entering their first-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder with star point guard Russell Westbrook on the sidelines. Despite his absence, the Rockets held a 2-1 series lead entering Game 4 on Monday. Even with Westbrook on the bench, he’s still making his presence felt inside the NBA bubble.
During a timeout in the first quarter, Westbrook walked onto the court (wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey) and got into a heated shouting match with Oklahoma City center Steven Adams. Even though the two were teammates for the better part of seven seasons, they did not seem too chummy, to say the least.
Bad blood flowing between Houston and Oklahoma City
Thunder fans watching this had to feel like children seeing their parents get into an argument. Not a good time, and certainly a punch right to the feels of those in Oklahoma City.
Westbrook has been unavailable for the first four games of the Thunder series due to straining his right quad at the tail end of Houston’s regular season. Head coach Mike D’Antoni didn’t commit to a specific return date, but did say he’s “getting closer” to taking the court for the Rockets.
If Westbrook can make an appearance in the first-round, expect him to be acquainted rather quickly with Adams so they can continue their passionate conversation. But in all likelihood, that won’t happen unless the series reaches a pivotal point.