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An open letter to Russell Westbrook, Thank You

By Sean Reece

Apr 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) yells as he takes the floor prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) yells as he takes the floor prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, right) is congratulated by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) after game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, right) is congratulated by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) after game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

More Panic

During the 2014-2015 season, more panic and tragedy began to happen for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their reigning MVP, Kevin Durant, suffered a broken foot that would put him out for six-eight weeks. Those six-eight weeks would eventually turn into an entire season.

The injury  Durant sustained was a complicated one. A Jones Fracture is a severe foot injury with  precarious recovery outcomes. Many players never regain full capacity or are susceptible to repeat injury if not given the proper healing period. So, with Durant missing extended time, many began to wonder if he would ever be the same.

Related: You the Real MVP

Panic began to flood over Oklahoma City. Not to worry, Russell Westbrook was here to calm their worries. We saw what Westbrook could really do without Durant on the court. It was the initial hints to the triple double machine he is today.

Unfortunately, with Durant gone for the majority of the season and Serge Ibaka missing the latter half, the Thunder missed the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

Missing the playoffs for the first time in six years while the MVP was up in the air health wise caused major panic in OKC and the NBA.

The panic resumed to start the 2015-2016 season as Durant was still not ready to play and missed ten games. Coming back, many fans were worried with how Durant would play, but the Thunder eased him back in.

Panic began to diffuse as the playoffs came around again for OKC. The Thunder were back in the playoffs with hope  this was their year. They surprised many analysts after beating the Spurs in the second round and making it to the Western Conference Finals vs the Golden State Warriors.

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