OKLAHOMA CITY – To understand Russell Westbrook, you have to understand how West works.
It is 3½ hours before tip-off on Wednesday night, and Westbrook emerges from the visiting tunnel at Paycom Center. He is like a shark. No wasted movement.
He sets up on the left block and begins knee squats. At 36, his joints should require WD-40, but he moves like an athlete half his age.
The routine begins, and rarely, if ever, wavers. He shoots five 10-foot shots, three free throws, heads down to the block for five jumpers, then makes his way around the arc on 3-pointers.