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My man-crush on Russell Westbrook is becoming an “epic proportions” situation, and thanks to fantastic performances, like the one he displayed against the New Jersey Nets, especially in overtime (all 13 of OKC’s points in the third overtime), makes it difficult to maintain objectivity when his name is mentioned.

To say Westbrook has quickly become my favorite NBA player is accurate, if not understated, and if he keeps scoring all of his team’s points in deciding overtime sessions, saving me from falling under his spell completely will be impossible. While I’ve known about Westbrook since his UCLA days, my man-crush didn’t take root until this past summer’s FIBA World Championship.

Now it appears there’s no turning back, at least for me. I think it’s safe to say I’m officially a lost cause when it comes to Russell Westbrook. Now, will this become something similar to the LeBron super fan discussed here a while back? Probably not, but don’t be surprised if you see me out in one of his jerseys, either.

Maybe his shoes, too.

Citing that he doesn’t believe he’s an acrobatic dunker, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook has decided to not participate in the upcoming Slam Dunk Contest when the NBA’s All Star festivities kick off on the weekend of February 20th. While the news has been accepted with some degree of personal sadness — blame my self-admitted man-crush on the OKC guard — it’s easy to understand Westbrook’s decision. He’s a power dunker who will mash it in your face during a game, but he doesn’t break out double windmills in the process.

In light of Westbrook’s decision, I figured this post would be a great place to feature a tribute to the kinds of dunks we’ll be missing out on:

Russell Westbrook dunks on the entire world after the jump >>

Sony’s Sports 2K series, while perhaps not getting the same unconditional love as EA Sports, has been producing quality sports games. Unfortunately, their catalog no longer includes the NFL, thanks to the EA’s exclusive deal, but that hasn’t stopped from making great NBA simulations. Thanks to a special, highly-coveted guest start, this year’s NBA 2K11 looks like they’ve upped the ante by including perhaps the best, most famous basketball player ever.

I am, of course, talking about Michael Jeffrey Jordan. The inclusion of the man, they myth, is, from Sony’s perspective, the natural evolution of their brand. Simply put, you get to play as Michael Jordan, reliving some of his greatest on-the-court accomplishments, among other options.

If I’m not mistaken, Jordan will also be available as a rookie to be drafted, meaning you can mold his career how and on whatever franchise you see fit.

Now, something so cool — I bought a PS3 pretty much for this game — doesn’t really need a lot of publicity or marketing campaigns to attract the masses. With Jordan on the cover, the thing will sell itself. That, however, didn’t stop them from creating an awesome commercial, featuring the NBA’s new breed playing, enjoying, and reminiscing about their favorite Jordan moves.

We have Derrick Rose baking a Jordan cake, Rajon Rondo washing windows, while Andre Iguodala Josh Smith and Russell Westbrook join in from the couch. What follows? Well, see for yourself:

I, for one, am impatiently biding my time until October 5. Watch out, too, because if I’m not careful, I’ll have Michael Jordan playing for that new pro team in Lexington — the Kentucky Wildcats: NBA Edition.

H/t to YBB for the find.

While the USA’s big win over Russia will be remembered for Kevin Durant’s 33-point outburst, without the “Russell Westbrook Run,” who knows what the final score would’ve been. During the third quarter, Westbrook powered 15-5 run, scoring seven of those points in about two minutes of actual game-clock time. Westbrook provided two breakaway dunks, courtesy of his disruption of the Russian offense with deflections that led to steals.

The dunks were a nifty bookend to a quick-but-decisive individual scoring explosion that featured a timely (and surprising) Westbrook 3-pointer. The phrase “all over the court” is an apt description of Westbrook’s play during that important run.

There are clips of Westbrook’s play, of course, only this time, they’re embedded within the NBA’s highlight reel of the game:

The rest of the reel is worth watching, if, for nothing else, to see some of the bombs Durant was dropping.

As for Westbrook, not only did he spark a crucial Team USA run, he also started the fourth quarter converting a 3-point play, courtesy of a nice fast break, led by Rudy Gay. While it’s true Durant did the bulk of the heavy lifting scoring, Westbrook’s contribution was just as important to Team USA’s huge win, one that vaulted them to “final four” of the FIBA World Championship.

Their next opponent is Lithuania, and if Westbrook provides the same kind of off-the-bench punch, you have to like Team USA’s chances of advancing to the final game.

While Team USA’s “B Team” continues to perform at a successful rate, save for a quarter or two of not playing to their abilities, one player I’ve enjoyed watching is Russell Westbrook. Talk about making the most of your opportunities. While his play hasn’t been perfect, Westbrook has been an incredibly athletic spark-plug for Coach K and the crew. While his jumping ability has been well-documented, his floor speed has actually surprised me. For some reason, I didn’t realize Westbrook was as fast as he is, and unlike some athletic basketball players, Westbrook, for the most part, keeps himself under control on the court, even when he’s blazing down it. There’s purpose to Westbrook’s speedy trips up and down the court.

In other words, he’s not running fast and jumping high simply because he can. He’s polished that genetic package into a very nice professional (and FIBA) ballplayer. Because of that, Coach K has no problem using Westbrook as one of his first substitutes, and Westbrook has rewarded that trust, while providing some highlight reel-worthy material for us to enjoy.

Video after the jump >>

While everyone is rightfully on Kevin Durant’s jock during the Oklahoma City/Los Angeles series, the arrival of Russell Westbrook is just as enjoyable to watch. Known as an impressive athlete with potential to be a good basketball player, Westbrook is blooming into an All-Star type right before our very eyes, and at the expense of folks like Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom, making the revelation of Westbrook’s game that much better. Last night, he announced his arrival in a big way by throwing down a vicious dunk over the aforementioned Odom.

Memo to Lamar: when you are that late with the defensive rotation, just let the young buck have it. Otherwise, folks like me will have a field day with it.

Video after the jump >>

Is this what Sade was talking about in her classic slow jam? James Harden rocking a pimp-ass bow tie at the NBA Draft? Because if it wasn’t, it damn well should be. In other Oklahoma City Thunder draft news, one would think Russell “You Trippin’” Westbrook is all kinds of happy knowing he won’t have Ricky Rubio — Entitled, much? — peering over his shoulder. I, for one, see Westbrook’s point. I, too, would rather have the proven Harden as a running mate instead of the flavor of the month Rubio, who, while having all kinds of passing potential, looks like he could be a liability because of his shooting prowess.

Or a lack thereof.

Today is the last day you can vote for which NBA player you’d like to see in the upcoming Dunk Contest, which takes place during the NBA’s All Star Weekend celebration. By now, you probably know the players you can vote on–Milwaukee’s Joe Alexander, Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City and Rudy Fernandez of the Trail Blazers. All three of these players have been featured here at IF in one form or another, if that helps your decision any.

After the jump, check out the videos >>