I Really Think I Am More Impressed By Russell Westbrook's Bravado Than His Basketball Ability

Let me start by saying that Russell Westbrook using an opponent's shoulder blades for a give-and-go, catching the ball in mid-air, and without hesitation making a contested, fallaway jumper against NBA competition is insanely impressive. In fact, the only thing more impressive, in my opinion, is the fact that he even thought to do it. Now, it's not the first time we have seen a play like this, but it is the first time we have seen this reckless of a version. Generally the oblivious opponent getting used and abused is far closer to the baseline, and the resulting basket is usually an uncontested layup, not a forced a fadeaway that, if taken by anyone else, stands about a 10% chance of going in. Do you know how sure of yourself you have to be to attempt this play? This looked like it was straight out of an And 1 Mixtape Tour if And 1 Mixtape Tours were at all concerned about player's ability to put the ball through he hoop. You can't be any less than absolutely positive that that ball is going in to even consider using that move. Down 15 with .7 seconds left in the half? If this he misses that shot he's considered a selfish idiot that doesn't trust his teammates. I know that, you know that, and he undoubtedly knows that. So the fact that he still did it knowing that a lot more than a single halftime buzzer beater was on the line is nothing short of extraordinary. Only big risks return big rewards I suppose, but I can't help but think that is Westbrook's brain this basket wasn't as much of a risk as it was an absolute certainty. Confidence? Cockiness? Call it what you want, but Russell Westbrook has it in spades, and since more often than not it works in his favor, we get to watch on in awe, instead of befuddlement.