Rockets’ James Harden sounds crazy excited about Russell Westbrook’s early returns in practice

It’s a great day to be a Houston Rockets fan. Nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook is officially back with the team. Nobody is as excited as backcourt partner and co-MVP James Harden. Per Harden, Westbook is back and is ready to take flight.

“Russell is, like, a creative person. You’d think in quarantine, he might be out of shape since he hasn’t been able to work out. But he’s faster than everybody still on the court. He’s still out there dunking.” Harden said (per usatoday.com). “He’s Russell. I’ve known him for so long, he’s just one of those guys that can just get up and doesn’t really have to stretch. He can just go right out there and run and dunk. He looked really good.” he added.

Earlier this week, Westbrook told reporters that he wasn’t sure if he could make a layup for the Rockets.

The 2017 NBA MVP had to undergo a self-quarantine for two weeks after he tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month. He was only able to arrive in Orlando this week after clearing the league’s safety protocols, and it seems that nothing has changed one bit in Westbrook’s game. He joined the Rockets in his first practice with the team since March.

“He was aggressive. He just changes the game, especially in transition. He’s able to get into gaps and create opportunities obviously for himself finishing at the rim, but also kicking out for threes for our team. It’s definitely an aspect that we’ve been missing.” explained Harden.

Though Westbrook seems to still be questionable to play in the Rockets’ first scrimmage this Friday against the Toronto Raptors, it’s good to see the triple-double-machine back in game shape.

As Harden puts it, Westbrook might be the key piece that Houston has been looking for in their quest for their first NBA title in 25 years of Rockets basketball.

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