Westbrook Scores 43; Makes Costly Mistake
(Russell) Westbrook had just delivered one of the most relentless NBA Finals performances, scoring 43 points while attacking the Miami Heat from every angle. He’d nearly single-handedly squared the series, almost giving the Thunder an improbable victory in the closing minutes.
And yet for all of Westbrook’s brilliance, the Thunder didn’t win, falling 104-98 in a Game 4 decision that’s now left them a single loss from the end of their season. No glory on this night. Instead, Westbrook had to answer for the role he played in the stinging defeat. He’s one of the true game-changing talents this league has, but he’s also young and full of mistakes, and he committed a costly one in the game’s closing moments.
With the Thunder down three with 17.3 seconds left, Udonis Haslem and James Harden lined up for a jump ball. If the Heat retained possession, they would have just five seconds left on the shot clock. Westbrook never recognized that, and when Mario Chalmers tracked down the tip, Westbrook intentionally fouled him.
“Just a miscommunication on my part,” Westbrook said.
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