Russell Westbrook: “I’m Going to Be Better” After Game 2

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook didn’t enjoy the best of shooting nights against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 2, going 5-for-20 from the field for 14 points. Meanwhile, his counterpart Damian Lillard went off for 29 points on 10-for-21 shooting, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range.

After the game, Westbrook pledged to be better going into Game 3, as captured by ESPN’s Royce Young:

“Starting with myself, I’ve got to play better,” Westbrook said. “And tonight, the loss, I’m going to take full responsibility for tonight. Because the way I played was unacceptable. I’m going to be better, so I’m not worried one bit. My job is to make sure I continue to come out and will and lead our guys and make sure we have a chance to win the game.”

Westbrook’s performance was due in part to Lillard’s hounding defense all night. CJ McCollum talked about the intensity between Westbrook and Lillard in this series:

“They’re both pit bulls,” McCollum said. “You’ve got competitive guys who play hard. Well-known All-Stars, faces of their franchises and the stakes are high, so if you’re a competitor, you look forward to these moments and these opportunities to not only put yourself on the map, but your team on the map, as well.”

You can read more from Young’s piece here.