Russell Westbrook Could Be Suspended for Game 5
Apr 24, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:26 am
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks with official Bennie Adams #47 in the first half during Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 21, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Russell Westbrook; Bennie Adams
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter
Things have started to get a little chippy and physical between the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder in their opening round playoff series. Utah now leads the series 3-1 after Monday night’s 113-96 win.
Oklahoma City, frustrated by their own inconsistency and the physicality of the Jazz defense, has fallen victim to mind games and physical altercations, that now may result in their star, Russell Westbrook, being suspended for game five Wednesday night.
While waiting to check into the game at the scorers table, Westbrook stepped onto the floor after an altercation between his teammate Raymond Felton and Utah’s Rudy Gobert. Westbrook confronted Gobert, pushing his arm away.
Stepping onto the floor during any altercation, from the bench or scorers table, results in immediate suspension according to the NBA rule book. However, what has yet to have been made clear is if Westbrook was waved onto the floor by an official during the dead ball or not.
Technical fouls on Felton & Gobert. pic.twitter.com/8kMf0BtXCW
— Up The Thunder (@UpTheThunder) April 24, 2018
Westbrook’s teammate, Steven Adams, was also at the scorers table but did not get involved, a potential indicator that officials never cleared the substitutes to come into the game.
An official announcement is expected from the NBA soon. Meanwhile, the series heads back to Oklahoma City where it is win or go home for the Thunder. Westbrook, who is averaging 21.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals in the playoffs, would be a major loss for the 4th seed Thunder, who have home court advantage for the remainder of the series.
