After Kevin Durant left, some thought Russell Westbrook would too. Even to the New York Knicks. Carmelo Anthony was shocked at what Russ did.
Russell Westbrook has been a one-man wrecking crew this season. He’s already posted seven triple-doubles and is nearly averaging the incredible feat in points (31.2), rebounds (9.9), and assists (11.2). It’s easy to forget that just a few short months ago we were talking about him leaving OKC. Maybe to the New York Knicks.
Westbrook put the kibosh on that when he re-upped on a 3-year, $85 million contract extension. The deal surprised many around the league including Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony spoke to the New York Post’s Marc Berman about his fellow All-Star’s decision.
“Yeah, to be honest with you, that soon [I was surprised],’’ Anthony said. “But that’s Russ. Russ don’t give a damn about nothing. It’s all about what he want to do, when he want to do it, how he want to do it. I think he wanted to show he was loyal to OKC.”
Anthony continued about Westbrook’s desire to be the man, without Kevin Durant.
“I can tell that he was waiting for a moment like this where he could go shine,’’ Anthony said. “He wanted to be the leader of that team, regardless of if KD came back or not. He wanted that moment. You could just tell that his vibe was different, his energy was different. You could tell when people want those moments.”
Melo sensed that a season like this was coming from Westbrook.
“I had a feeling just by seeing him and talking to him this offseason,’’ Anthony said. “I had a feeling he had a little extra chip on his shoulder.”
Anthony and Westbrook face off tonight at 7:30 pm ET @ Madison Square Garden.
Westbrook’s Thunder (10-8) are coming off a 106-88 victory over the Detroit Pistons and Anthony’s Knicks (8-8) lost on the road at Charlotte 107-102.
