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Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook explains his return

By Andrew Melnick

Dec 8, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after making a basket and drawing a foul against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after making a basket and drawing a foul against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after making a basket and drawing a foul against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after making a basket and drawing a foul against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Although Chicago Bulls’ guard Derrick Rose and Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant got all of the press, the injury that had the biggest impact on the NBA in terms of winning a championship was the knee injury that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook suffered during game 2 of the Thunder’s first round playoff series with the Houston Rockets last season.

Westbrook returned this season is once again putting up big numbers. He’s averaging 21.3 points, 5.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. Plus, he still looks like the explosive player he’s already been.

What did Westbrook credit for his quick and productive return?

“Most of my confidence is because I don’t care what nobody else thinks,” Westbrook told Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports.

Westrbook had 26 points and a season-high 13 assists Sunday as the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers.

“Once I felt I was able to play and do what I was able to do, I just go play,” Westbrook said. “I don’t really think about whether I can make this move or spin or jump. I just do it. Once I figured out my knee was healthy and I was good, I didn’t worry about it anymore.”

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