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Russell Westbrook’s Tulsa documentary earns three Emmy nominations

By Kevin Brown

Westbrook's Tulsa documentary earns three Emmy nominations originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

The critically acclaimed documentary executive produced by Wizards star point guard Russell Westbrook has earned three Emmy nominations. 

Westbrook’s debut production got the nod to get a chance at some Academy Awards in “outstanding writing for a nonfiction Program,” “outstanding music composition for a documentary series or special (original dramatic score),” and “outstanding sound editing for a nonfiction or reality program.” 

RELATED: Russell Westbrook’s documentary on the Tulsa Race Massacre premieres May 30

It’s clear attaching Westbrook’s name to the documentary was a touching tribute to his first NBA team to devote his resources to a film that’s affected the Oklahoma region so clearly, but also must have an added sense of accomplishment to work alongside such gifted script and sound talent.

A little over 100 miles away from the Thunder’s facilities in Oklahoma City, Tulsa was the location of a race massacre a century ago in 1921 when 35 city blocks of “Black Wall Street” were burned to the ground and hundreds from the Black community were killed. The Greenwood District in Tulsa was the wealthiest area of color in the country. 

Along with three-time Emmy award-winning directors Stanley Nelson Jr. and Marco Williams, Westbrook’s film shines a light on the injustice over those two bloody days, and the reconstruction of the area — and recovery of unmarked graves — that has taken place since. Before the Emmys on Sept. 19, you can watch the documentary on the History Network and Hulu. 

“This is one of many overlooked stories of African Americans in this country that deserves to be told,” Westbrook, who noted he was not taught about this event in school, said in a release.  “These are the stories we must honor and amplify so we can learn from the past and create a better future.”

If there’s one thing the Wizards have learned since acquiring Westbrook, doing it the right way and leading others to do the same usually ends in some favorable results. 

Wizards lose Delon Wright indefinitely to hamstring strain

By Chase Hughes
Wizards lose Wright indefinitely to hamstring strain originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonWASHINGTON -- Delon Wright was in obvious pain as he held his right hamstring and hobbled off the court Tuesday night in the Wizards' win over the Pistons. It turns out the injury was indeed serious, as he has been ruled out indefinitely with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.Wright will be re-evaluated in three weeks, according to the Wizards. However long he's out, his presence will be missed.The Wizards have seen great early returns from Wright, whom they signed to a 2-year deal in free agency. He has been one of their best defensive players, beginning games as their backup point guard but often finishing them in closing lineups."It’s unfortunate for us. He is playing at an extremely high level and doing a lot of good things for us, particularly on the defensive end," head coach Wes Unseld Jr. said.Wright, 30, has great size for his position at 6-foot-5 and is one of the best in the league at forcing turnovers on the perimeter. Compounding matters, the Wizards do not have a third traditional point guard on their NBA roster.They still have Monte Morris as their starting point guard, but Wright's absence will force some creativity from Unseld Jr. He could use shooting guard Bradley Beal more in that spot, or turn to a more unconventional route like Will Barton or Deni Avdija, who play on the wing. Barton reminded reporters after Tuesday night's game he grew up playing point guard and served in that role in a pinch while with the Denver Nuggets, his last NBA stop.The Wizards also have Jordan Goodwin on a 2-way contract. He is listed as a point guard, but has only eight minutes of NBA experience. And rookie Johnny Davis played some point guard minutes during the preseason.Wright will now begin a fairly long road to recovery. The Wizards, though, did share some positive injury news on Tuesday, as 2nd-year wing Corey Kispert is "really close" to returning from a sprained left ankle, per Unseld Jr. He practiced with the Wizards on Tuesday and won't play Friday against the Pacers, but could be ready in a matter of days.
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