I don’t think any player has more at stake reputation wise the remainder of these NBA playoffs than Russell Westbrook.
Look, I like Russ, and you can’t say any of his shortcomings come from lack of effort. But when you’re supposed to be a superstar level player and people are wondering whether your team is better off leaving you on the bench down the stretch, said star status comes into question.
Plus, thus far in the playoffs, the Houston Rockets do have a better net rating with Westbrook off the floor than on it. Mainly because he can be a self check from the perimeter and his decision making in the clutch is not exactly ideal.