Russell Westbrook has, for better or worse, developed a reputation as one of the tightest-wound players in the league, accruing 152 technical fouls over his 14-year career. The NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles (187), Westbrook was assessed his fifth technical of the season Sunday night, joining Lakers teammate LeBron James and Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (the latter two were both ejected) in getting T’d up as tempers flared at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The former MVP found himself striking a difficult balance, trying to play peacekeeper while also having LeBron’s back in a tense scene that threatened to get out of hand.
Speaking to reporters after the game, which the Lakers won thanks to a fourth-quarter barrage led by himself and Anthony Davis (27 combined points), Westbrook was stunned to learn he received a technical during Sunday’s dustup.
“I got a tech? Oh wow,” said Westbrook, checking the stat sheet for confirmation. “Why’d I get a tech? I didn’t know I had a tech. That’s interesting.”
Caught up in the chaos of Stewart and James butting heads, Westbrook had never considered the possibility that referees were trying to wrangle him in as well. “That’s just being Russell I guess,” said Westbrook, implying that his past behavior may have been held against him. “I don’t know what I did, but whatever. They had to put it on somebody. Why not me?”
Playing on his fourth team in as many seasons, Sunday was one of Westbrook’s better performances of the year and a welcome departure from his recent shooting woes. Despite recently being honored as one of the 75 Greatest Players of All-Time, Westbrook hasn’t been getting much respect of late, with a number of fans—and even local television broadcasts—dismissing the 33-year-old as an overpaid has-been.
We’ll see how Westbrook, who has always played better with a chip on his shoulder, responds Tuesday night when the Lakers visit Madison Square Garden.
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