Chapter 213: The Braised Pork Tactic.
After the timeout, Russell Westbrook drove to the basket, launching himself into the air to challenge Marc Gasol and earning a trip to the free-throw line.
His landing looked painful, as he didn't seem concerned about protecting himself.
When it comes to attacking the paint, Westbrook is far more reckless than LeBron James.
James and Serge Ibaka moved to help Westbrook up, but an interesting scene unfolded. Westbrook initially extended his hand, but upon noticing James, he suddenly rolled over, pushed himself up off the floor, and stood on his own.
Han Sen, heading toward the free-throw line, paused at the sight, then broke into a laugh.
Westbrook has high emotional intelligence. Whether dealing with Harden or James, he never lets any conflict over ball control surface publicly.
But hiding it doesn't mean it doesn't exist—especially after Han Sen's earlier trash-talking toward James went unanswered.
Though Westbrook's playing style bears some resemblance to James', their personalities couldn't be more different.
You can be outmatched in skill, but you should never appear weak.
Westbrook clearly holds James in contempt now.
Amid the noise of the arena, Westbrook calmly sank both free throws.