National Basketball Association

Russell Westbrook viciously posterizes helpless Rockets defender to seal the win

Published Dec. 9, 2016 12:31 p.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

Russell Westbrook’s numbers Wednesday night were jaw-dropping as usual, but it was what the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar did to seal the win over the Houston Rockets that will leave the most lasting impact.

With the Thunder clinging to a three-point lead and five seconds left in the fourth, Alex Abrines found a cutting Westbrook with an inbounds pass. The perennial All-Star guard blew past Corey Brewer, took one dribble and unleashed a vicious left-handed dunk on Rockets big man Clint Capella, who would love to have a do-over at this point.

Of course Westbrook was pumped after the play.

Westbrook needed to pull off a spectacular play to punctuate the win and his 30-point, seven-rebound, nine-assist performance. Mission accomplished.