Russell Westbrook had 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in Friday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, notching his third consecutive triple-double. But instead of celebrating the relentless MVP candidate’s typically dominant performance, the Oklahoma City Thunder are reeling – not just due to a 115-112 loss, but the potential for injury to its only healthy superstar.
Following an epic fourth quarter comeback by the Blazers that put them up 115-112 , Westbrook was fouled by Wesley Matthews as he attempted a game-tying trey with just over two seconds remaining in regulation. But the 84 percent foul shooter missed his first freebie, ensuring that Oklahoma City would need another scoring chance to force overtime or win the game even if he made the ensuing pair.
Westbrook drained the second free throw to make it a two-point game. Upon his third and final try snaking around the rim, the hyper-athletic point guard followed his shot in efforts to grab a potential carom. After the ball rolled through the hoop, a floor-bound Westbrook tried frantically to get up as the Blazers in-bounded the ball and took a nasty knee to the face from teammate Andre Roberson.
Westbrook stayed down on the floor for a few moments before rising to his feet and watching Damian Lillard calmly sink two from the charity stripe at the other end. That’s when this incredible shot of the 26 year-old was snapped:
That pool of darkness on the side of Westbrook’s face halfway between his eye and earlobe is exactly what it looks like: a dent.
He wasn’t made available to media after the game, instead undergoing testing on his likely injured face. Coach Scott Brooks said he was unsure of Westbrook’s status, too.
Russell Westbrook will not be made available to the media tonight. He will be evaluated for a blow he took to he head late in tonight's game
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) February 28, 2015
Thunder coach Scott Brooks said he didn't know yet regarding Russell Westbrook's health after knee to face
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 28, 2015
Westbrook, of course, wouldn’t let a potential orbital fracture stand in the way of his planned post-game attire. Here’s a photo of him leaving Moda Center:
Russell Westbrook departs with team PR pic.twitter.com/33TvG2q7Xx
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 28, 2015
Multiple outlets are reporting that the Thunder will make an official announcement regarding Westbrook’s health on Saturday. The team’s next game comes the following day against the Los Angeles Lakers.
We’ll keep you updated as news on this developing situation becomes available.
[Video via cjzerovids]
