The loss of Russell Westbrook was expected to have an impact on the Oklahoma City Thunder, but now being down 3-1 in their Western Conference semifinals against the Memphis Grizzlies, he's absence may spell doom for their championship aspirations.
According to NewsOK.com, on Monday Kevin Durant was asked what he's learned playing without the injured Westbrook, and in short he expressed how much of a loss it is to not have him.
"That we need him," Durant said. "We miss him."
In Monday's 103-97 Game 4 loss Durant scored a game-high 27 points with seven rebounds and seven assists. However, down the stretch he continued to struggle, going 0-for-5 in overtime and scored just five points on 2-for-13 shooting in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Unlike in previous games, Durant received more assistance scoring wise, but wasn't enough to overcome the defense of the Grizzles.
"Guys have got to step up now," Durant said. "I think I've taken more of a load of scoring and facilitating and rebounding. But of course when you have your All-Star out we miss him. But it's no excuse. We still got to get the job done."
Kevin Martin had 18 points off the bench, Reggie Jackson scored 15 points with eight assists and Serge Ibaka finished with 17 points, a game-high 14 rebounds and three blocked shots in 37 minutes.
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