Russell Westbrook appreciates Kobe Bryant's support

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook appreciates Kobe Bryant’s support after taking 43 shots against Pacers.

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Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook had to take 43 shots against the Pacers on Sunday to come up with his career-high point total of 54. He was criticized in various forums for taking such a large amount of shots, but Kobe Bryant came to his defense on Twitter, pointing out that Michael Jordan once took 43 shots in the NBA Finals, in a loss, nonetheless. Westbrook was appreciative.

“That’s my guy, that’s my guy, that’s my guy,” Westbrook said. “Kobe’s a good friend of mine and being in L.A., I was able to watch him and see him become a Hall of Famer and one of the best players to play the game. It’s an honor to be able to see somebody like that, to be able to have your back and support you.” (via ESPN)

The 54 points definitely helped Westbrook get set to win his first scoring title and he will, barring some epic performance from another player on the last night of the season. The player closest is the Houston Rockets James Harden, but he’s a good ways behind. Even if Westbrook didn’t score a single point, Harden would have to score 35 to pass him. If Westbrook scores 15, then Harden would have to score 53. It’s not an easy task and it’s not likely to happen.

However, Westbrook was not as excited about winning the scoring title as you might think. He said he never imagined winning it, but that he would much rather be in the playoffs. His Thunder are 44-37, sitting just out of the Western Conference eight, right behind the Pelicans. The Thunder need a Pelicans loss and they need to beat Minnesota.

It’s definitely understandable for Westbrook to be less than enthused about winning the scoring title when he could be sitting home for the playoffs when the regular season ends tonight. Westbrook said that the Thunder are just concerned about handling their own game, knowing they have to at least beat the T-Wolves to have any chance. The Thunder have lost five of their last seven games and have basically set up their own unfortunate playoff destiny by doing so.

Assuming Westbrook does win the scoring title, and he should for reasons already pointed out, he’ll make it five of the last six scoring titles going to Thunder players. Of course, four of the last five alone have gone to Thunder forward Kevin Durant. Durant is out for the season, win or lose, after having a third surgery on his foot.

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