The Warriors blew a 14-point fourth quarter lead to the Cavaliers on Christmas in a NBA Finals rematch, falling in front of a raucous road crowd, 109-108. And apparently Russell Westbrook took notice.
Warming up before the Thunder take on the T'Wolves, Westbrook threw up a corner 3-pointer from out of bounds and after nailing his shot, Westbrook sprinted off to the locker room and it appeared he yelled out, "Thank you, Kyrie!"
First try! Russell Westbrook warms up on Christmas Day. RT to #NBAVote for Russ for #AllStar. pic.twitter.com/5bqpbzkaQX— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 25, 2016
Westbrook later denied saying Kyrie Irving's name, explaining he yelled out his trainer's daughter's name, Jamie.
Russell Westbrook on what he said running off the court. Said he said "Thank You Jamie," daughter of Thunder trainer Joe Sharpe pic.twitter.com/gfki5Y9YRE— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) December 25, 2016
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Irving knocked down a fadeaway jumper over Klay Thompson with 3.4 seconds left to give the Cavs the lead and eventual win. Westbrook's former teammate in Oklahoma City, Kevin Durant, scored a game-high 36 points and also topped all players with 15 rebounds.
The Warriors looked to Durant on the final play, but he fell to the ground while trying to get away from Cavs forward Richard Jefferson and lost the ball.
With the loss, the Warriors dropped to 27-5 on the season. The Thunder are 18-12 heading into their Christmas contest with Minnesota.