Russell Westbrook has basically kept the Oklahoma City Thunder in playoff contention by himself while Kevin Durant is out with a foot injury, yet the media has found plenty to criticize him about. For example, plenty of people were floored that Westbrook took 43 shots in a loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.
After Westbrook scored a career-high 54 points and almost brought the Thunder back against Indiana, he was asked by a reporter if he took took many shots. Westbrook finished the game 21-of-43 from the field and also added nine rebounds and eight assists.
“Every night I go out and compete harder than anybody else in this league,” he said in response. “As long as my teammates don’t have a problem with it, I’m good with it.”
Kobe Bryant thinks the criticism is downright ridiculous.
#StopIt pic.twitter.com/pPRO8BnF4P
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 13, 2015
What ALL TIME Great went 19 for 43 in a game 3 nba finals loss? #lookItup #onlyringsmatter #byAnyMeans
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 14, 2015
The answer to the question Kobe posed is none other than Michael Jordan. The point is that no one would dare criticize Jordan for taking that many shots because he has won so many championships. As far as Kobe is concerned, the questioning of Westbrook’s shot selection is merely media fluff.
Ppl will always find a way to critique Only way to shut up critics is to WIN That's the challenge myself and Mj accepted #CantcritiqueRings
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 14, 2015
Media critique- Mj was a gunner Magic was a coach killer Shaq wasn't serious Lbj couldn't handle pressure Spurs r too old #BeforeRings
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 14, 2015
The point is we ALL go through it The criticism The Praise The wins The losses The hero The villain Its a beautiful cycle #LoveIt #Process
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 14, 2015
Westbrook has had some difficult dealings with the media this season, especially since Durant went down. He laughed in the face of a reporter over this question earlier this week and has been unpleasant with other reporters all season.
Like Kobe said, the only way to silence the critics is by winning a championship, and even then the noise might not stop. If either the Thunder lose or the Spurs win on Wednesday night, Westbrook will have to wait until next season to pursue his first ring.
