Russell Westbrook undergoes facial surgery, out at least one game
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Russell Westbrook left the Moda Center Friday with another triple double while facing questions about his health after taking an inadvertent knee to the face from teammate Andre Roberson during Oklahoma City's 115-112 loss to Portland. The Oklahoman's Darnell Mayberry reported that Westbrook underwent surgery to fix his zygomatic arch bone and will miss the Thunder's Sunday game against the Lakers.
Another sensational night from Westbrook ended with the All-Star point guard doubled over in pain on the court after a fluke blow to the face stunned him. With 2.5 seconds left in regulation, Westbrook made a free throw to cut Portland's lead to 113-112. Westbrook slipped to the court as he gave chase for a rebound, and found himself in the wrong place as Roberson attempted to commit a foul to stop the clock on the ensuing inbounds play.
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Roberson's right knee struck the right side of Westbrook's face, and Westbrook held his face in pain for an extended period of time after the blow.
Pictures of the injury appeared to show an indentation on the right side of Westbrook's face.
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"Dont know," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said afterward, when asked about Westbrook's health. "We'll find out more later."
[daily_cut.NBA] A Thunder spokesman said Westbrook would be further evaluated and that he would not be made available to the media. Westbrook walked past reporters on his way to the team bus but did not engage in any conversation. An official update is expected on Saturday.
Oklahoma City is currently without All-Star forward Kevin Durant, who is out indefinitely after a second procedure on his right foot earlier this week. Westbrook missed roughly one month earlier this season with a fracture in his right hand, but he returned to make his fourth All-Star Game appearance and has worked his way into the MVP conversation.
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Westbrook finished with a game-high 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, marking his third consecutive triple double. Mitch McGary added a career-high 20 points and nine rebounds.
LaMarcus Aldridge paced the Blazers with 29 points, 16 rebounds and five assists. Damian Lillard added 29 points and five assists.
Portland improved to 38-19. Oklahoma City fell to 32-27.
