Westbrook done for playoffs. Thunder Done!

[Kane3387]

They've got a rough road ahead of them. People get frustrated with Westbrook shots, but I think they absolutely need his aggressiveness to create.

I still think Kevin Durant isn't assertive enough, and he's still really poor off the ball. We'll see how he reacts to this.

Side note: I wonder if the Thunder would ever considering firing Scotty Brooks. I look at the evolution of the Miami Heat offense, and then I look at a talented team like the Thunder that just remains the same.

Good points. Brooks is very overrated. The contract talks took forever for a reason b/c they're not sold on him.

Durant is not assertive enough. It's the biggest flaw in his game. They will miss Russell a lot.

Will this not force him to be more assertive?

It better.

[Kane3387]

It's worth pointing out that a torn meniscus is the same injury MWP came back from 12 days after surgery.  That was a very fast recovery, but I wouldn't rule Westbrook out for the playoffs just yet.

Interesting. Great point, but how effective would he be without his athleticism? Will the Thunder even risk it with his age and their long-term approach.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

It's worth pointing out that a torn meniscus is the same injury MWP came back from 12 days after surgery.  That was a very fast recovery, but I wouldn't rule Westbrook out for the playoffs just yet.

Interesting. Great point, but how effective would he be without his athleticism? Will the Thunder even risk it with his age and their long-term approach.

My Laker-fan friends have been telling me, however, that MWP has been complaining of knee pain in recent days, and his shooting has been off so far in the postseason, so I'm pretty sure he came back too soon.

[StartOrien]

They've got a rough road ahead of them. People get frustrated with Westbrook shots, but I think they absolutely need his aggressiveness to create.

I still think Kevin Durant isn't assertive enough, and he's still really poor off the ball. We'll see how he reacts to this.

Side note: I wonder if the Thunder would ever considering firing Scotty Brooks. I look at the evolution of the Miami Heat offense, and then I look at a talented team like the Thunder that just remains the same.

Good points. Brooks is very overrated. The contract talks took forever for a reason b/c they're not sold on him.

Durant is not assertive enough. It's the biggest flaw in his game. They will miss Russell a lot.

Will this not force him to be more assertive?

It better.

I don't think he has an option now. It could be fun, I'd love to see what Durant could do if he took a Carmelo like approach

[StartOrien]

It's worth pointing out that a torn meniscus is the same injury MWP came back from 12 days after surgery.  That was a very fast recovery, but I wouldn't rule Westbrook out for the playoffs just yet.

Interesting. Great point, but how effective would he be without his athleticism? Will the Thunder even risk it with his age and their long-term approach.

Absolutely no way the team that traded away James Harden for long term financial reasons risks things by having their uber-athletic point guard come back quickly from a leg injury.

[Who]

Good news for the Spurs. They now have a much better chance at making the Finals.

[indeedproceed]

Reggie Jackson is going to score 17-20points in the next game, and everyone is going to speculate if Westbrook is expendable.

[sed522002]

All the Thunder fans that complain about Westbrook (like some that do about Rondo) will get a chance to see what the team would be like. They can see if Durant can carry the team.

[edwardjkasche]

Anyone else upset that the Heat haven't suffered any injuries this season?  I'm not counting games Wade sat out to rest his arthritic knees.  I'm talking about a season-altering or potentially-serious injury that affects rotations.

Every other championship-caliber team has faced injuries.

Celtics = no Rondo, Sully, Barbosa, KG banged up

Bulls = no Rose, injured Noah

Thunder = no Westbrook (ends their title hopes!)

Knicks = no Stoudamire (I know, I know, I chuckled too), Chandler banged up

Nuggets = no Gallinari, Faried banged up

Warriors = no Lee, Curry's ankle

Pacers = no Granger

Fakers = everyone! (but this doesn't bother me because I want to see them lose)

Spurs = Manu and Parker during the season (though they seem to be healed now)

Call it sour grapes, but it's frustrating to see the Heat stay so healthy during their repeat season considering the injuries other teams have endured... and the fact that our repeat season in 2008-09 ended when KG hurt his knee.

Looks like only a healthy Spurs team stands in the way of  Heat repeat.

[Who]

Reggie Jackson is going to score 17-20points in the next game, and everyone is going to speculate if Westbrook is expendable.

Excited to see Reggie Jackson get extended minutes although Brooks will probably go with Fisher just as much if not more unfortunately.

[PhoSita]

WOW.  The playoffs just go way more boring.

Heat skate to a title.

[Kane3387]

WOW.  The playoffs just go way more boring.

Heat skate to a title.

Yeah its pretty weak. So many injuries to key All-Star caliber players. I think the Clippers can put together a competitive season with CP3, the athletic bigs inside, and the depth.

[Donoghus]

Makes the matchup I want to see (Spurs-Heat) more likely. 

[CelticsFan9]

This is the ultimate test for Durant: can he carry a team offensively the way Melo can?

Also, Kevin Martin is going to have to step up.

I hope SAS gets to the Finals.

[nickagneta]

Tough break. Seems a lot of stars are going down this year.