Russell Westbrook Lashes Out At Question About Thunder Subs: 'Don't Split Us Up'

Following the Thunder's Game 4 loss to Houston, Russell Westbrook admonished those who have criticized Oklahoma City's supporting cast.

With the Thunder’s season officially on the brink, Russell Westbrook stuck his neck out to ensure that his team remained united.

Houston defeated Oklahoma City 113-109 in Game 4 on Sunday to claim a commanding 3-1 series lead. Continuing a pattern that persisted all season long and throughout much of this series, the Thunder struggled mightily when their MVP went to the bench. In Game 4, Oklahoma City was +14 in Westbrook’s 39 minutes on the court and -18 in his 9 minutes off the court. Houston pulled off the road win despite a cold shooting night from James Harden in large part because Oklahoma City gave up a 14-4 run with Westbrook sitting late in the third quarter and early in the fourth.

But Westbrook didn’t want to hear anything about the glaring on/off discrepancy, instead choosing to hop on the grenade for his teammates when the subject was broached during the post-game press conference.

Crystal Ball: Who Will Win the 2017 NBA Finals?

Houston will get its first chance to close out Oklahoma City when it hosts Game 5 at the Toyota Center on Tuesday.