OKC Thunder in the news has us taking a deep dive into the professional and private life of Russell Westbrook, and checking in with everybody’s favorite Thunder rookie: Hamidou Diallo.
No matter what’s happened recently, the OKC Thunder are still one of the better teams in the league. That’s what’s important. The Kings gave the Thunder all they could handle.
Let’s take a look at what’s been going on in the Thunder universe, on and off the court.
Russ is back
That’s right. Russell Westbrook made his return from spraining his ankle last night. He might’ve come back a game sooner against the Suns, but he took a leave of absence for personal reasons.
We now know what those personal reasons are. Russell and Nina Westbrook welcomed two beautiful twins into the world.
Obviously having Russ back in the lineup is huge for the OKC Thunder. At least, PG seems to think so.
PG speaks on Russ
One thing you gotta love about Paul George: you never have to wonder what he’s thinking. Paul George is one of the most vocal and open stars in the league. Why should that change any time now?
George spoke to media members about having Russ back.
Paul George on Russell Westbrook rejoining the team and what it’s like to have a baby born in the middle of the season: pic.twitter.com/BFURSAWGaO
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) November 19, 2018
Maddie Lee tweeted the video which included the following quote from George:
"“It’s tough just because the season takes a toll on you on its own, Just having a new addition, when to be there for your partner and then finding time to still be locked in, still be here with the team. At that point you don’t get much sleep so, its a little tough. It’s what we got to deal with and we wouldn’t change that for anything.” – George."
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Westbrook’s absence for personal reasons, though not the sole factor, contributed to the lack of guards and wings on Friday, paving the way for OKC Thunder rookie Hamidou Diallo to get the start. And guess what?
Diallo starts again
Against the Kings last night, Diallo got his second career start.
Diallo is a such a fun player to watch, and it’s nice to know Billy Donovan reads my articles. That was why I was so pumped to see him start.
In all seriousness, seeing Diallo get healthy chunks of minutes playing with the big boys this much does wonders for the OKC Thunder fan heart.
A player with Diallo’s physical skill set and smarts can expedite his growth curve from playing high-quality minutes against and with first string talents.