OKC Thunder: Not Your Usual End-of-Season Awards
By David Ramil
Feb 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) watches the game from the floor after getting knocked down against the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Most Hustle Award Winner: Russell Westbrook
In saluting the player that just won’t quit, it was a toss-up between Westbrook and rookie Mitch McGary, who exceeded expectations – especially after an early-season injury – with his energy on the court. But while McGary does the most with what he’s got, no one is as tireless as Russell.
J.M. Van Sant (@RTFans_) – Mitch McGary – Come on now you can’t give this to anyone else. From his sideline leaps for out-of-bounds loose balls to his full-out sprints down the entire court, McGary played his rookie season as a full on hustle machine.
David Ramil (@dramil13) – Russell Westbrook – Is it hustle or just incredible athleticism? Maybe it’s both but no one is more active for 48 minutes than Westbrook.
Shawn Woods (@shawn_woods15) – Kevin Durant – Durant’s sideline celebrations were second only to McGary’s with his willingness to leap off the bench at every opportunity.
Jeremy Lambert (@jeremylambert88) – Russell Westbrook – This should just be the “Russell Westbrook Award.” No one outhustles that guy for 48 minutes.
Jerry Stephens (@JR_Steph23) – Russell Westbrook – This guys nickname in “Hustle” Westbrook. How could this award go to anyone else? He has played his whole basketball career like every game was his last. He hustles every play and on both sides of the ball. He is a relentless defender that will also run the entire floor to speed past you for a lay-up. He will also dive for any loose ball. He is the epitome of the word hustle.
Evan Riggs (@EvanRiggs15)– Mitch McGary – McGary is a joy to watch because of his constant hustle. He runs the floor harder than any big man I’ve ever watched, and it’s awesome to watch because he’s such a big guy. McGary wasn’t even in the best shape (conditioning wise)because of his injuries to start the season and he still hustled constantly.
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