Russell Westbrook: Lesson learned after league-high 17 technicals
— -- OKLAHOMA CITY -- Known for as much for the emotion he plays with as his athletic explosiveness, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook says he's "done" picking up technical fouls.
"I'm done with those days," he said Tuesday at shootaround. "I learned in the summertime, once they make a call, they ain't changing it. Took me a while, but I learned it."
Westbrook led the NBA in technicals last season with 17 and had a number of them rescinded, including one against the Indiana Pacers on April 12 that would've resulted in a one-game suspension. Over the summer, Westbrook reviewed film on each of his technicals and came to an important conclusion on every one: Not once did a referee change his/her mind and reverse the call after his complaints.
"I watched film. I watched all my techs and all the dumb s--- I was doing, so I decided to tell myself, there's no need to argue," Westbrook said. "They're not changing it, so move on."
Westbrook still has been hit with four technicals this season, which is tied for ninth in the league. But it's been obvious he is attempting to restrain himself after disputable calls.
Since the 2011-12 season, Westbrook has picked up 52 technicals.
Kevin Durant, who has also improved in the technical department with only two this season, isn't buying Westbrook's gentlemanly approach.
"Not at all, not at all," he said. "We'll see. Hopefully he doesn't get any more, but I don't buy that."
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