Westbrook Returns Early to Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder were given a boost on Sunday night with the return of All-Star guard Russell Westbrook.

The point guard for the Thunder was sidelined for the last six months following a knee injury. He returned to the lineup on Sunday night versus the Phoenix Suns. His return has shocked the NBA community as the Thunder had previously announced he would not return until December after undergoing an arthroscopic knee procedure October 1.

However, Westbrook’s knee responded well to his treatment and the swelling that had been concerning team doctors quickly dissipated.

The procedure done October 1 also showed that the meniscus that tore during last season’s playoffs was completely healed

He was able to recover quickly missing just the first two games of the season and returning in time for the team’s home opener.

Some believe that Westbrook may have been able to start in last week’s season opener, but the Thunder decided on the conservative approach, which has become the norm for the team.

He returned to the lineup with no restrictions on how many minutes he can play or if he can play in back to back games.

Westbrook told the press prior to the game he was never on a recovery schedule of 4 to 6 weeks. He said he was day to day until he could play.

In his first game back, he played with the relentless explosiveness he has throughout his short career. He scored 21 points, dished out seven assists and had four rebounds. His shooting was off (5 for 16) but that is expected until his rhythm returns.

Teammate Kevin Durant scored 33 and grabbed 10 boards.

Westbrook’s return to the lineup made the bench for Oklahoma City, often called a weakness on the team, a bit more potent. Guard Reggie Jackson moved back to the bench and scored 10 in his new role. On the night, the reserves for the Thunder had 35 points in their win.

Coaches on the Thunder insisted that Westbrook was still in his recovery period. They said he would take steps each today to regain his stamina and strengthen his knee.

However, the amount of work Westbrook did this summer and the slow but steady approach of the team in returning him back to the court and not putting off his second procedure is what has put in back in the starting lineup in such good shape.

The season is long and with 79 games still to be played in the regular season, anything can happen.

However, the Thunder have their star guard back and he is looking nowhere by forward.