The OKC Thunder, led by Russell Westbrook’s 36 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, earned a critical 101-90 win Monday night against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers.
With the Pelicans having taken care of the Timberwolves 100-88, the Thunder faced a must-win situation to ensure a tie for the eighth and final Playoff spot in the Western Conference.
On the final night of the regular season Wednesday, the Thunder can sneak into the postseason with a road win in Minny and a San Antonio Spurs victory in New Orleans.
Just don’t expect Westbrook to be rooting for a Spurs win.
Per The Oklahoman:
“I’ve always been a Pop fan,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said of Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. “I’m going to be even more of a Pop fan.”
The Thunder being fans of the Spurs? Russell Westbrook made it clear that he won’t be waving any silver and black pom-poms — “I’m not no Spurs fan,” he said — and you can hardly blame him after some of the slobber-knocking playoff series that the two franchises have waged over the past few years. […] “I’m not a Spurs fan either,” Thunder guard Andre Roberson said, “but I’m going to be rootin’ for ’em that game.”
“It’s crazy that there’s 82 games in the season,” (Enes) Kanter said, “and it comes down to one game.”
