Justin Cooper

December 20, 2018

With just over five minutes remaining in the second quarter of Wednesday night’s contest versus the Sacramento Kings, Russell Westbrook proved once again that he is one of the pettiest players in the game, and the game is better for it.  Westbrook had apparently caught wind of statements made on a yet to air interview by “Posted Up with Chris Haynes:  A Yahoo Sports Podcast” with Sacramento’s confident 20-year-old point guard, De’Aaron Fox.   

 When the subject arose during the interview, De’Aaron Fox did not shy away from voicing his opinion on who should hold the title of fastest player in the league.

 “People debate it all the time.  [Debating if I’m one of the] top three or four fastest players in the league.  Nah, I’m not up there.  I’m number 1.”  Although still wet behind the ears, the second year man continued, opting to bring the Oklahoma City MVP into the conversation.  “I’m faster than John Wall.  I’m faster than John.  Russ is extremely explosive.  I’m faster than Westbrook … If we’re talking about from baseline to baseline with ball in my hands, I’m definitely the fastest person in the league.”

 Never one to shy away from a beef, Russell Westbrook responded in the most Russell Westbrook way possible.  With 5:17 to play in the second, Westbrook ripped down a defensive rebound under the Kings bucket and turned on the afterburners.  Weaving slightly from side to side putting Fox on his heels, Westbrook effortlessly dissected the King’s defense, going coast to coast in a flash and finishing at the other end with an acrobatic layup and a foul call.

 Putting to rest any notion that Russ was not aware of the youngster’s presumptuous comments, Westbrook emphatically gestured pointing toward the floor and visibly yelled, “I’m too fast,” while shaking his head as if in disbelief the second year player would even question who held the honor of fastest with the ball from baseline to baseline.  Of course, Westbrook’s counter argument was more than compelling, and the Thunder dominated the game from start to finish, winning 132-113 on the road.    

Russell Westbrook is the consummate competitor and will rise to whatever challenge is put before him, no matter how petty.  Although the Oklahoma City Thunder, through skillful management, are a relevant team year in and year out, the mentality in Oklahoma City is still that of an underdog.  For a small market team in the Western Conference, battling Goliath is a regular reality.  Oklahoma City gladly embraces Russell Westbrook as our own very, very petty David.