Reggie Jackson Embraces Leadership Role in Injury-Riddled Oklahoma City Thunder

The dynamic duo of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant were reduced to mere cheerleaders during the Oklahoma City Thunder's thrilling victory over the Boston Celtics Wednesday, for their impressive 109-94 win, the team's just third win in nine games in the young season. Leading the charge is soon-to-be restricted free agent Reggie Jackson and this early he is making the case for him justifying a $13-15 million payday come summer of 2015.

The 24-year-old player is relishing his role as the newfound leader of the team in the absence of the injured superstars, yet he maintains the team's goal is to hold fort before the big guns come back and ensure a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Jackson shared to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski how he approaches the season with a low-key minimalist approach which is reflected in everything he does.

"All the eyes of my teammates, in all moments, are locked in on me now," Jackson told Yahoo. "They're looking for direction. It's been difficult losing some of these close games, but I couldn't imagine fighting alongside any other guys."

The Thunder is fielding an assortment of role players such as Anthony Morrow, Lance Thomas, Steven Adams, Jeremy Lamb, and Kendrick Perkins. The closest thing to a star that they can have is Serge Ibaka but the big man's game is predicated on the attention that Durant and Westbrook's drive and kick opportunities. It has fallen upon the shoulders of Jackson to not only facilitate the offense but also create the same drive and kick, pick and roll scenarios. To some extent the past two games have shown how Jackson can deliver as he averaged close to 28 points per game in the last two outings.

The former Boston College standout also disclosed that it was always his dream to start for an NBA team and the injuries have opened the door for him. The young season has not been kind to the Thunder as they currently sit at 3-6 and there has been turmoil early after veterans Perkins and Ibaka did not involve him midway through his first game back from injury. The said big men were reluctant to pass him the ball after defensive rebounds. His teammates thought that he was playing selfishly in his first game back when he produced just 23 points on a team-high 20 shots. Coach Scott Brooks also advised his young point guard to let the game come to him and the past few games have shown there have been improvements on that end.