Tension is rising between Russell Westbrook and Reggie Jackson. It all began back in November when the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Detroit Pistons. Following that game, Westbrook didn’t acknowledge Jackson, acting as if he didn’t know who he was.
This strife from Westbrook towards Jackson began when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons back in February of 2015. Not because he got traded; guys get traded all the time. It’s because of Jackson’s ecstatic response to the trade, which came off as if Jackson didn’t want to be in Oklahoma City.
Just woke up from my nap a #Piston #DETROITBASKETBALL!!!
— Reggie Jackson (@Reggie_Jackson) February 19, 2015
Crying tears of joy #godisgreat
— Reggie Jackson (@Reggie_Jackson) February 19, 2015
Just when you thought things would’ve probably mellowed out by now, it picked right back up as Jackson and the Pistons beat a Durant-less Thunder team 88-82. The game didn’t mean much for the Thunder because they’re locked into their 3rd seed but on the other hand, the Pistons still have to fight because with a couple losses, they could find themselves out of the playoff picture. Detroit has won six of seven.
Towards the end of the game, we saw a boastful side from Reggie Jackson as he celebrated with his hands in the air. In retrospect, he knew this was a well needed win but at the same time. He knew who he was up against and what was said after the last game.
Russell Westbrook took well exception to Jackson’s demeanor and had some interesting comments after the game.
“Honestly, I think it’s some real bullshit,” Westbrook said. “I don’t appreciate it from our team and our organization. I don’t like it all. But it is what is. We’ll see him down the line. We’ll take care of that when we get there.”
“It doesn’t matter. Honestly, he wasn’t changing nothing for us. Obviously, he didn’t want to be here. He’s in a better spot. He’s not doing too much of a difference, if you ask me.”
Someone sounds a little ‘salty’ if you ask me but I do have a few problems with what Westbrook had to say. To say “he’s not doing too much of a difference,” is a bit extreme to me. Before he got to Detroit, they were just an afterthought. Now they are in playoff contention. Also, Jackson’s numbers have improved since his time in Oklahoma City. In his 4 seasons with OKC, he averaged 9.0 points and 3.0 assists per game. In Detroit, he’s now up to 18.3 points and 7.0 assists per game. When you think about it, Russell Westbrook is the LAST person to be commenting on anyone showing any type of celebration. He’s one of the most demonstrative characters that we have in this league that celebrates after any and everything. I understand these words came with frustration from Westbrook following a bad shooting night and a loss, but at the same time my momma always taught me, “think before you speak”.
