Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook had surgery to repair a fracture to his right cheek Saturday and the NBA’s hottest player will miss at least a game.
The Thunder said the surgery took place in Los Angeles, where they will play the Lakers on Sunday, and that Westbrook would be re-evaluated next week.
Westbrook was hurt in the final seconds of the Thunder’s 115-112 loss Friday night in Portland, when he scored 40 points in his third straight triple-double. Teammate Andre Roberson’s knee crashed into Westbrook’s face, leaving a noticeable imprint on his right cheek.
The MVP of the All-Star Game, Westbrook has had triple-doubles in his past three games. For the month of February, he averaged 31.2 points, 10.2 assists and 9.1 rebounds and led the team to a 9-3 record.
The Thunder already were without reigning league MVP Kevin Durant, who had a screw replaced in his surgically repaired right foot last Sunday. Thunder centre Steven Adams also has been out with a hand injury.
