I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably harder”…since then, it’s been my routine….a lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical. He lead by example and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom. It was inspiring as his teammate and everywhere I went, I seen it inspire people from all walks of life, crazy thing is, he didn’t say much, he just showed up. For 18 years. This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals, what we put into that court means everything. Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent. Who u gonna be? We know what zero was on…keep inspiring in the next phase of life champ. I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!! …to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from luezinger high and ucla and many more that I’m forgettin, much love and Congratulations on a iconic career.
The postgame playoff scroll through social media after a win is possibly one of the greatest drugs in the world. Wouldn't know after a loss. Might throw away my phone.
The messages/support (in the last several hours) I’ve gotten from my people in Oklahoma, and specifically, Stillwater is unconscionable, but I’m not surprised one bit. A place that will always be held in high regard by my family. Thank you all. Love you all. #GoPokes Forever
if I was a Nuggets fan id be calling Shai a foul merchant too, I was calling Curry and illegal screens merchant too during his reign of terror sometimes you just need some cope and that’s alright
These are the good ole days.
Years from now this will go down as the golden era of Thunder basketball.
Truly once in a lifetime stuff. Enjoy and appreciate it.
He came when most were leaving...Set a bar so high for all of us....He lead immediately....
He's OUR 1st Ballot HOF QB!
Congratulations Drew Brees. Also, Congratulations to Your wife Brittany, Baylen, Bowen, Callen and Rylen. It was an honor to have coached you.
Thunder guard Nikola Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer in late October
Two months after beginning chemotherapy, Topic is back on the court 🙏
(Via @CAlmanza1007)