Former U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney taunts Russell Westbrook at Utah Jazz game
Apparently everyone is trying to get inside Russell Westbrook’s head now.
As if it wasn’t bad enough for Oklahoma City that the reigning MVP’s overly aggressive play against Utah’s Ricky Rubio led to first-half foul trouble in Monday’s Game 4, none other than Mitt Romney joined in on the fun at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
When Westbrook barreled through Rubio while drawing his fourth foul with 1:36 left in the second quarter, the former Republican presidential nominee who hails from Utah and was wearing a Jazz jersey while sitting courtside could be seen holding up four fingers in Westbrook’s direction – as in four fouls.
After Rubio had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 3, Westbrook vowed to “shut that (expletive) down.” And while Rubio had a quiet first half, it’s clear Westbrook’s decision to focus on him backfired. Utah began to pull away from there, finishing the half on a 20-9 run (8-3 after Westbrook had to sit) to lead 58-52 at halftime.
The Jazz went on to win 113-96 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the first-round series. Game 5 is Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
More NBA
- Harden, Rockets erupt for franchise playoff record 50-point third quarter in win
- Warriors' Steph Curry latest NBA star to join media landscape with Sony deal
Follow Paste BN Sports' Sam Amick on Twitter.