The Return: Westbrook Back in Lineup, as Rockets Aim for Series Edge in Crucial Game 5
Don’t Lose Yourself. MJ Saved the NBA… Again. Russ’ Revenue.
“Then do what you must. But don’t lost yourself. You are not a soldier. You are a king,” one of so many memorable quotes from the epic film Black Panther, starring Chadwick Boseman, who sadly passed away last night as 2020 continues to be the worst year ever. Boseman had colon cancer for the last 4 years of his life, and didn’t tell anyone. During this time, he represented icons from James Brown, to Jackie Robinson and the Marvel Comics character Black Panther, a film that became inspirational for so many. All these movies were filmed between multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, Boseman proved you don’t have superpowers to be a superhero. The world lost a true king last night.
After a crazy four days, where the NBA looked to be on the brink of cancelling the season, a fire that was started by the Milwaukee Bucks, when the team protested and refused to play Game 5 of their series due to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. On Wednesday night, the league’s players and coaches met for hours and discussed whether to continue the season. Reports surfaced that the Lakers and Clippers wanted to cancel the season, and with two of the NBA’s biggest contenders opting out, it looked like the season was over. But on Thursday morning, the NBA had another a meeting with the players and the owners. Michael Jordan intervened as the liaison who basically saved the season. After globalizing the sport across the planet and becoming the most iconic basketball player ever, MJ put the NBA on the map, and helped the league garner the respect the NFL and MLB always had. MJ is the only person on the planet with the power and respect of the players, and the owners. Most of these players idolized MJ, and the owners, despite their greediness, know how much he means to the game. Whatever Jordan said was impactful, and the driving force in why the NBA didn’t come to a compete end. So after Thursday morning’s meeting, the players and owners had come to a decision to finish the season. After a break the players desperately needed (it’s understandable, a lot is going on the world right now, and their isolated from the craziness, if it didn’t effect them, these players wouldn’t be human, despite looking like superheroes on the court, these guys are human beings just like you and me. And so, after MJ saved the NBA again, we’re back.
The Rockets may have been the most fortunate team to benefit from the break, because they’ve added a weapon they weren’t going to have, had the Bucks played on Wednesday: Russell Westbrook. Brodie will play his first playoff game as a Rocket tonight against the team he played his heart and soul for, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Throughout the first four games of this series, Russ has been Houston’s biggest cheerleader. Expect Westbrook to be ready to go. The Rockets just need him to control himself. There’s no doubt, Russ, in his first playoff game as a Rocket, and versus his former team, will be even more energized than usual. Westbrook has had noticeable tendencies to get out of control and force too many poor decisions and turnovers when he’s too amped up. We’ve got a tied series on our hands. Tonight’s winner gets one step from advancing, the loser.. pushed to the edge of leaving the bubble. Houston need Russ to be in control, despite what’s at stake tonight. If the Rockets can get an efficient Westbrook, they should beat the Thunder tonight, and get within a game of moving on to the next round. Brodie’s presence alone will be effective for James Harden, and take defensive pressure off of the Beard. Westbrook’s return hopefully will help Houston slow Dennis Schroder, who’s been the key component in OKC evening up this series. A lot is on the line tonight, as two heated rivals go at it for a chance to gain the upper edge and inch closer towards facing most likely the Lakers in the next round. The NBA’s back. And finally, Russell Westbrook will play his first ever playoff game as a Houston Rocket. Stay under control Russ, the squad needs you. Be aggressive, and attack the basket… but don’t lose yourself Russ, do what you must.
R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman
HP Field House: Orlando, Florida
Jersey Colors:
Oklahoma City (2-2): Orange
Houston Rockets (2-2): Black
TV: 5:30 PM CT – TNT, AT&T Sportsnet SW