5 reasons why the OKC Thunder can beat the Rockets

Jan 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 118 to 116. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 118 to 116. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook /

5. Russell Westbrook

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Speaking of Westbrook, is there a bigger reason that the Thunder are going to win this series than him? When it matters most in playoff time it is all about having the best player on the court. I’m sorry James Harden, you are great, but you are no Russell Westbrook. Westbrook is a killer on the court who is not going to back down from any challenge that comes up in the series. If you believed Westbrook was triple-double hunting during the regular season then that will come to a close now. Westbrook knows that winning matters most and he knows how to get it done.

Just as important as his offensive is his defense. In last year’s playoffs Westbrook looked like a completely different player on the defensive side of the ball. He has the strength to push any of the Rockets guards around and the quickness to keep up with everyone.

Westbrook’s mentality is what put the Thunder in this position and it is only going to get better. Buckle up, folks. The Russell Westbrook show is about to begin.