After making, arguably, the most controversial move of the season, the Houston Rockets are on a tear. Being led by an impressive stretch from Russell Westbrook, the Rockets are 39-20 in the West and in the middle of a 6-game winning streak.
After his most recent performance, in which Westbrook dropped 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, coach Mike D’Antoni had some very interesting things to say about his All-Star point guard.
Rockets Coach Mike D’Antoni on Russell Westbrook: “You can’t go to the supermarket and buy heart. He has it.”
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) March 1, 2020
There was much doubt about Houston’s chances to win this season following the trade of Clint Capela. The idea of playing an entire season without a center is one many are scoffing at — but the Rockets aren’t messing around.
They are relying on small-ball to get the job done, and their stars have done a great job ensuring the transition goes smoothly.
For Russ, he is Houston’s best player of late and has been putting on an impressive display this entire campaign. He’s averaging 27.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists on 47% shooting. His heart, energy, and mental fortitude alone have propelled this team to overcome countless obstacles.
And D’Antoni is right — those attributes don’t just grow on trees.
