In the fourth quarter of Game 5 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, some fireworks went off.
Rajon Rondo’s brother talked trash to Russell Westbrook from the sideline, and Westbrook fired back.
It was a reference to a painful playoff loss in Westbrook’s recent past that set off the University of California, Los Angeles product.
In his 12th season, Westbrook remains one of the best point guards in the NBA, and perhaps the most athletically gifted player at his position in the game’s history.
But he has compiled an unenviable list of big playoff disappointments.
In 2012, his Oklahoma City Thunder looked to have a real shot against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, only to lose to LeBron James’ squad in five games.
Four years later, the Thunder held a 3-1 lead over the defending champion Golden State Warriors, only to fall in seven games.
Then there was last year’s memorable loss in five contests to the Portland Trail Blazers, capped by Damian Lillard’s series-winning 3-pointer and wave goodbye.
By winning Game 5 119-96, the Lakers have sent Westbrook home to lick his wounds yet again.
A recent report from Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times has connected Dallas Mavericks assistant…
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reflected on the team's first-round playoff series against the…
Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert missed Game 2 of his team's series against the Denver…
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young believes that the NBA tried to help Denver…
Brian Windhorst of ESPN painted a picture for fans of the Los Angeles Lakers of…
While late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was renowned for being Michael Jordan's heir…