All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook will have surgery to repair cartilage in his right knee and will be out indefinitely, dealing a harsh blow to the Thunder’s championship chances.
General manager Sam Presti said yesterday the Thunder had not yet scheduled Westbrook’s surgery and would not have an accurate time line for his return until after the procedure was done.
No one would rule out Westbrook’s possible return if Oklahoma City keeps advancing in the playoffs, and All-Star teammate Kevin Durant only said his teammates “hope” Westbrook can play again this postseason.
“We’re not trying to rush him or bring him back ahead of schedule. We want to make sure he’s healthy and his knee is right,” Durant said. “That’s our only concern with it right now. ‘’
The three-time All-Star was hurt in Game 2 of the Thunder’s playoff series against the Rockets on Wednesday night. Rookie Patrick Beverley lunged for a steal in the second quarter and his hip collided with Westbrook’s knee.
Backup Reggie Jackson figures to move into Westbrook’s starting spot for Game 3 tonight in Houston.
Warriors 110, Nuggets 108
In Oakland, Stephen Curry played through a sprained left ankle to score 29 points and hand out 11 assists as Golden State took a 2-1 series lead over Denver.
Jarrett Jack added 23 points and seven assists, and Harrison Barnes and Carl Landry each scored 19 points to help the Warriors rally from 13 points down in the third quarter. Golden State still had to sweat out Andre Iguodala’s missed 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded.
Spurs 120, Lakers 89
In Los Angeles, Tim Duncan had 26 points and nine rebounds, and San Anton io pushed the Lakers to the brink of first-round playoff elimination with their worst home playoff loss in franchise history.
Dwight Howard had 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Laker, who played without their top four guards due to to injuries.