Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook will miss the rest of the postseason after undergoing surgery on his right knee to repair a torn lateral meniscus.
Westbrook was originally listed as out indefinitely after suffering the injury in Game 2 of the Thunder's Western Conference quarterfinal against the Rockets. The fifth-year guard has never missed a game in his pro career.
"Although we are of course disappointed that Russell will be unable to return to the floor with his teammates this season, the opportunity to repair the meniscus as opposed to remove it was the best possible scenario for Russell's long term health as a player and person," said Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti. "Russell's health and well being are obviously our number one priority through this process and today's procedure helped solidify our belief that Russell will have many productive years of basketball in his future."
Oklahoma City, which carries a 2-0 series lead into Saturday's contest in Houston with the Rockets, will have to move forward without the three-time NBA All-Star, who posted 24.0 points, 7.0 assists and 6.5 rebounds in the Thunder's first two playoff games.
Westbrook will begin rehab immediately and a timetable for his return will be decided during the offseason. He averaged 23.2 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.77 steals per game this season.
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