Fuck Yea[h] NBA

Because of some ISP address issues (local and national TV blackouts apply), I wasn’t able to get the OKC game from last night (OKC beat Memphis 98-95 with Durant dropping 32), which is a shame because it was a doozy for Durant-Westbrook conspiracy theorists. According to Darnell Maybary in the Oklahoman, 

Westbrook’s frustration appeared to have started with just 3 1/2 minutes remaining in the second quarter when he drove into the paint and kicked the ball out to Thabo Sefolosha in the corner. Sefolosha passed up a wide open 3-pointer, which prompted Westbrook to yell at Sefolosha “shoot the (expletive) ball.”

Sefolosha and other teammates, including Durant and center Kendrick Perkins attempted to calm Westbrook down immediately during an ensuing trip to the free throw line. But the emotions spilled over to the bench one minute later.

Durant appeared to again settle Westbrook, but Westbrook appeared to take exception to how Durant delivered his message. The two began shouting at each other and had to be separated.

Durant patted Westbrook on the head when the two took the court out of the timeout, and the two seemed to communicate well throughout the rest of the game.

I’ve mentioned this before, but I really think the talks of friction between the two youngsters are over reported. These are young guys that want to win and have different philosophies about that sometimes. Could it tear the team apart, of course—anything can, but they’re so committed to each other and the team, I can’t help agree with Durant’s comments after the game:

“We’re going to disagree sometimes, like I’ve always been saying,’ Durant said. ‘But I’m behind him 110 percent, and he’s the same way with me. And you seen when we came on the floor we clicked and everything started to work from there.’”

Everyone is looking for a schism between the two because it will make good copy, but Durant seems too smart for that, and I think Westbrook really does want to play with him. 

[Oklahoman; PHOTO: AP Photo/Lance Murphey VIA]