Rockets’ James Harden Defends Russell Westbrook’s Critical Turnover Error Against Thunder

Chris Paul clearly signaled a ‘No’ when the Rockets wished to make it to the Conference Semifinals after Game 6. So, as it turns out, Thunder has forced the series to Game 7 by making it even, after going down 3-2 in the previous game. Russell Westbrook is being trolled and blamed for his failed turnover in the last few seconds of the match. Many believe that to be the losing moment for the Rockets.

It was quite a back and forth Rockets-Thunder match that eventually turned to Thunder’s favor in the last few seconds. Chris Paul was a blessing for his team while he recorded 28 points in the match out of which 15 came from the last quarter.

The game was neck-to-neck towards the end. One moment by Rockets star, Russell Westbrook is being looked at as the game-changer. With 7.6 seconds left for the buzzer, Westbrook took a turnover that made a failed attempt. And Rockets lost possession to Thunder at that moment, which led to a 104-100 loss for James Harden and co.

Harden says that play from Rockets was for Russell

While many consider Westbrook as the reason for this loss, Harden supported his teammate in the post-match conference. He believes Westbrook did what was needed of him.

“That play was for Russ (Westbrook) to attack the basket. He attacked the basket, and he made the decision he felt was open.”

Rockets’ key man, Westbrook, made his entry in the postseason during the last game with play-time restrictions. In this game, he scored 17 points to add to Harden’s 32 on the court. Westbrook stepped up his field goal percentage from 3/13 in Game 5 to 8/15 this time. But there still remains an area of improvement for the big man.

This turnover probably changed the game dynamics, but Chris Paul came out as the ultimate clutch man for Thunder. He was ruthless and snatched the series from under his opponent’s feet. To completely take the series away, another game is yet to go.

Will Thunder do it again? Or is Rockets looking to improvise?