OKC Stealing the Thunder: Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook Controls Fate

A new NBA season is officially underway. Already players have impressed with dazzling opening night performances, teams have failed to meet initial expectations, leads were squandered and plays were made.

It has only been two days and already questions have been answered, and new ones posed. There is no question which teams belong in the NBA's elite tier. The likes of the Lakers, Mavericks, Magic, Thunder, Celtics and even Heat despite an extremely lackluster performance opening night in front of millions of viewers on TNT.

What people are not taking note of are the reasons why these teams are elite. All have instilled a core of talent around their superstar athlete(s).

With Kobe you have Gasol, Odom and Artest to name a few. Dirk out in Dallas? Well, he has Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Caron Butler, Tyson Chandler and more. Everyone is familiar with the "Big Threes" in South Beach and Boston respectively, and Dwight Howard returns with pretty much the same team that helped him reach the finals in 2008.

However, one team stands out among the pack: the Oklahoma City Thunder.

When you think Thunder basketball you think Kevin Durant. You think 30 points per game, eight rebounds, a block, a steal and tremendous shooting numbers. You think how the Washington D.C. native turned a Seattle Sonics team in disarray into an Oklahoma City team on the cusp of winning it all. You think flashy plays, Nike commercials, Team USA and a fanbase that has gone KD crazy.

What you don't think about is the guy who's been at his side every step of the way: Russell Westbrook.

Consider that in Durant's rookie season—the last played in Seattle—nobody took the SuperSonics seriously. They were just a collection of underachievers with a young kid who could fill it up. Not a real threat to beat a team night in and night out. One year, and a stellar draft later, you are looking at a superstar with the sidekick to get the job done. The Robin to his Batman.

Within the first two years of playing in Oklahoma City the Thunder had recaptured the once distant eyes of basketball fans. The team was relevant again, and everyone was quick to point the finger at Durant as to the reason why.

After all, wasn't that they easy thing to do? The stats were huge, the highlights often and the marketability endless.

This kid had it all.

People continued to overlook Westbrook, who even as a rookie was putting up monstrous numbers. A Westbrook triple-double somehow overlooked by 30 points and a huge dunk by Durant. Ten rebounds from your point guard forgotten due to the guy who finished the break rather than initiated it.

In fact, there were even people knocking Westbrook's game. Critics said he had no outside shot and that he played too fast. Despite hustling every second of every game, and doing whatever he could to help his team win he continued to fly under the radar.

Did that ever affect Westbrook? Maybe, but his game never showed it. Bringing rarely seen poise and confidence as a rookie.

Fast-forward two seasons, a gold medal with Team USA and multiple triple-doubles later to last night's home opener. Bulls vs. Thunder in Oklahoma City. Nationally televised game. Millions of eyes watching.

With the commentators fixated on young superstars Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant's every move, it was Westbrook who left the biggest mark on the game. The guy whose favorite player growing up was Earvin "Magic" Johnson was putting on a Magic-esque show.

One thunderous dunk after another, a steal here, a dish there. Ten rebounds by halftime, and a clear-cut desire to not only dominate his opposition—but to win.

Durant finished the game with 30 points and seven rebounds, but once again right at his side was Westbrook. Finishing the game with 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. All from his slight 6'3" frame.

With all eyes finally watching, Westbrook did not disappoint. His lightening-quick first step routinely setting up easy drives to the basket and open looks for teammates. For the first time, it seems, the NBA finally realized the Thunder are not just another one-trick pony.

Jordan had help. Kobe sure did too. LeBron has it now. The Celtics had it. Even the Spurs and Pistons of yesteryear were stacked with talented role players.

Should the Thunder go on to win an NBA title, be sure to congratulate Durant. Be sure to remember him as one of the NBA's best. Be sure to give him the MVP trophy this year. Be sure to give him the keys to Oklahoma City. Be sure to buy his new sneakers.

But please, be sure to thank Russell Westbrook.