In Old Master Bo's view, Westbrook was getting on in years, and his speed had declined considerably.
And one thing made him even worse off than Rose: he'd barely played during regular time this season, only getting on the court during garbage time. His feel for the game, his rhythm, and everything else were far worse than Rose's, which gave the Spurs an even bigger advantage.
In fact, it wasn't just the Spurs players and Popovich who were surprised. Westbrook himself was a little stunned when he was subbed in.
He glanced back at the coach, as if to ask, Are you sure you want me in?
After all, Rose was usually the one who came on at this point in the game.
The head coach gave him a firm nod. Only then did Westbrook believe it. He quickly took off his warm-up jacket and loosened up his shoulders, knees, wrists, and ankles.
He hadn't expected these old arms and legs of his to see regular-season minutes again.
Meanwhile, in the Baidu TV livestream room in China, Xu Jingyu watched the Kings send Westbrook onto the court and looked utterly incredulous.
"Holy crap, why are you putting Westbrook in? Are you kidding me? What can Westbrook even do this season? He can't score, and he can't defend!"
"He only came here hoping to snag a championship ring. Why not just let him sit on the bench and get his ring in peace? Why put him in at a time like this?"
"Aren't you just letting Kenny run circles around him? This is—"
"It's over, it's over. De'Anthony must've gotten his head caught in a door. And you're still smiling? You've got the nerve to smile? Look at this terrible lineup of yours. What even is this?"
At the AT&T Center