This is 40 (and 10)

This is 40 (and 10)
During his moving MVP speech, Kevin Durant told Russell Westbrook, who's regularly under fire for firing off scads of shots, he had his back (it was the lead taking a supporting role). Westbrook paid back the praise by bringing the Thunder back into the series, tying it at 2-2, behind his 40 points, 10 assists and 5 steals, which were all figures greater than what the Spurs starting lineup totaled (although Popovich, perhaps channeling the Commander-in-Chief, pulled his charges out before the conflict concluded, too). Westbrook became only the second player in postseason history to notch those numbers, joining the rare air of Michael Jordan, who did it in 1989, when Westbrook was one and pampered in a completely different way.

When Durant stood up for Westbrook, it stood out - and a standout effort from Westbrook was exactly what the Thunder needed.
Westbrook can always find the basket, but he's at his best when he's finding teammates, too. Durant, who had his series-high with 31, wasn't just accepting an award, he was accepting his amigo, along with any of his friend's flaws, which are few. Durant demonstrated he'll share credit, now Westbrook is showing he'll share the ball. That makes them two of a kindness.