Russell Westbrook threw a fit on the Oklahoma City Thunder bench and went into the tunnel to compose himself after getting upset during the third quarter of his team’s 106-89 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.
Westbrook was called for a 5-second violation during the third quarter with the Thunder up 65-40. He appeared to be upset with teammate Thabo Sefolosha for not going where he wanted him to be, leading to the violation. Less than a minute later, Oklahoma City called a timeout and subbed out Westbrook for Reggie Jackson.
Westbrook was upset on the bench and walked into the tunnel to compose himself before returning. OKC’s lead decreased from 21 to 12 before Westbrook finally re-entered the game at the start of the fourth quarter.
“There’s no question he was frustrated with himself,” coach Scott Brooks said of Westbrook, per Royce Young of DailyThunder.com. “He’s an emotional guy.”
Brooks said Westbrook’s tantrum was “nothing” and that he headed to the tunnel because he “had to regroup.”
Below is a video of the play that got Westbrook upset:
Westbrook finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in the win. He tried brushing aside the incident, saying after the game it was “nothing,” and just a “miscommunication.”
Westbrook clearly has problems containing his emotions and has even admitted to butting heads with Kevin Durant. Westbrook’s ornery personality on the court makes him difficult to get along with, but it is also part of what makes him so good.
Videos via @cjzero, @beyondthebuzzer
