“His Notch is Pretty Hot”: Houston Rockets Coach Reveals His High Expectations from Russel Westbrook

The Houston Rockets are a team to look out for when the season resumes. Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni has already issued a warning to their opponents by mentioning that Russell Westbrook will be back stronger. 

Video clips of Westbrook training under his quarantine routine stunned the fans. The 31-year-old isn’t showing signs of slowing down with his workouts. Westbrook wants to achieve his ultimate goal by playing for the Rockets i.e to win the NBA championship. 

Coach Mike D’Antoni certainly believes Russell Westbrook will be back with a bang. Here is what the 2x Coach of the Year had to say about Russ while speaking to the media on Wednesday.

“If you go in his history and career, he’s always played better in the playoffs. He turns it up a notch. How he does that? I don’t know,” D’Antoni said. “Because his notch is pretty hot. But he turns it up a notch. And yeah, I expect him to be more efficient. I think he’ll come at you and he’ll give it everything he’s got. I do know that,” he expressed.  

“And of course, I hope it is efficient. But I have no doubt that he will be efficient, play well and give it everything he’s got.”

Can Russell Westbrook and James Harden carry the Rockets to the NBA Finals?

This remains to be a major question in the minds of Houston Rockets fans. In their 53 seasons as an NBA franchise, the team has only won the championship twice. It came when Hakeem Olajuwon led Houston to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995. 

With James Harden being the franchise player, a lot rides on him. But, the inclusion of Russell Westbrook has been a game-changer. The over-burden on Harden is reduced. And Westbrook loves taking on responsibilities. As mentioned by D’Antoni, the 2017 MVP thrives in high-pressure situations, which is what defines him. 

The 1994-95 season was the last time the franchise had been to the Finals. James Harden was limited against a mighty Warriors team that dominated the 2010s decade. Getting past them was the first priority than making the finals.

This year, a lot of hope rests on Russ and James Harden to propel the Houston franchise past the conference finals and into the big stage. However, they would have to get past the might of the Lakers or the Clippers before they can think about that.