State of the Team: Westbrook's presence

OKLAHOMA CITY Russell Westbrook is seen as everything from rogue to apathetic. And in any given game you'll hear he's an amazing talent and that he doesn't get back on defense. But one thing Westbrook has never been is phony. This isn't a Dwight HowardKobe Bryant situation where there are team chemistry issues. This isn't a Dwight HowardStan Van Gundy situation where there is a coach and player issue. Deron Williams and any number of characters or Kobe and Pau Gasol. None of those things are in play in Oklahoma City. This is Westbrook. He's never changed and he likely never will. His coaches don't seem to have a problem with him and his teammates certainly haven't made any waves about him, either. Got a problem with him, his style, attitude or shot selection, it's time to get over it. It's our problem. Not his. In the past week, Westbrook has stormed off the court after a tantrum and then been a model citizen the past two games. That's not Westbrook being unpredictable, that's us being surprised about it. He's never changed. "Man, the guy's a great player," Golden State coach Mark Jackson said. "And I knew that even when I wasn't a coach, covering the Thunder. I didn't understand the nitpicking about shooting too much. No, the guy's a heck of a basketball player. Kevin Durant is a superstar. Russell Westbrook completes this team and makes it tough for an opposing team's coach or design to be simply on Kevin Durant. Those are two guys with their foot on the gas pedal." Undoubtedly, coach Scott Brooks and Thunder management have talked with Westbrook about his on-court behavior, particularly last week when he blew up at teammate Thabo Sefolosha, was benched and then carried on next to assistant coach Maurice Cheeks on the bench before walking off. And it wouldn't be a stretch to expect the same thing might happen again. Westbrook is the most-emotional player on the team. He's also the easiest to read. And that's why you see so many folks making judgements on his character, criticize his effort and even praise his abilities sometimes in the same sentence. In the last four games including the one in Oklahoma City against Memphis where he had his episode Westbrook has shot 50 percent or better three times. It's the first time this year he's shot 50 percent or better three games in a row. He was 8-of-19 against Golden State Wednesday. Enjoy it while it lasts. It won't, so don't be surprised when it ends. Who's hot: When Serge Ibaka hit his first jumper of the game, an 18-footer, it made me think, if he hits that shot, the Thunder are near unbeatable. Ibaka is such a force inside, but he's really developed a shooting touch. He had six blocks Wednesday, but he was also 7-of-10 shooting. He's been over 50 percent from the field for eight of his last nine games. Who's not: Hard to say for sure, but it looks DeAndre Liggins has fallen out of the rotation. After getting early playing for a stretch, Liggins is back to mop-up minutes. Liggins also got two technical fouls in the last week. He injured his left leg and was limping after the game Wednesday. Three thoughts 1. In OKC's past six home games, the Thunder is winning by an average of more than 20 points per game, scoring more than 111 points and giving up less than 91. Overall, the Thunder are 37-12 and 21-3 at home. 2. No matter what happens, coach Scott Brooks opens up his postgame meet with the media by talking about defense. Whether that's designed or just organic, it's hard to say, but Brooks is setting the tone by suggesting this team isn't about offense. The Thunder had 16 blocks, a season high, against Golden State Wednesday and held the Warriors to 41 percent shooting. 3. Would you believe Kevin Durant leads the league with nine technical fouls? If he gets 16 this season it would result in a one-game suspension. "I shouldn't have got a tech," Durant said after picking up one against Dallas. I just got to shut up and play my game and just fight through it." Quoteable: "Coach (Mark) Jackson should talk to a couple of his bench players, make sure they get wet behind the ears before they come barking up a couple of our player's tree. Yeah, yeah. I take it personally. It wasn't only talking trash. They did a couple of dirty plays to inspire us as a team." - Kevin Martin about Golden State. Notes No one has been more dominant against the Thunder this season than Cleveland's Kyrie Irving was Saturday. He had 35 points in 35 minutes. He figured into the scoring on 17 of Cleveland's last 21 points. Cleveland scored 39 in the fourth quarter of the win. For the second home game in a row, Westbrook and Durant got to sit out the fourth quarter. That kind of stuff makes a difference as the season drags on. Odd, but the Thunder have lost to the Wizards and the Cavs two seasons in a row. Last year, the Thunder lost to Cleveland at home. Kevin Durant was hurt in Saturday's game against Cleveland. According to The Oklahoman, Durant was really hurting after the game with a rib contusion. He didn't miss any time against Dallas and Golden State. Only two weeks away from the trade deadline. Be surprised if the Thunder do not make a move. Still not quite sure why the Thunder haven't played guard Eric Maynor more, if only to showcase him for possible trade options. Up Next After a home-and-home against Phoenix (Friday-Sunday), the Thunder go to Utah (Tuesday) and then get the Heat at home on Valentine's Day. Tower of Power Losing to Cleveland doesn't help, but two wins in a row at home this past week does make things look a bit better. A four-game sweep, including one against the Heat on Thursday, will certainly put the Thunder back at the top of the list. Follow Andrew Gilman on Twitter @theandrewgilman