Delonte West will give '120 percent'

April, 28, 2012
4/28/12
7:42
PM CT
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Delonte West said he thought only briefly about not playing in tonight's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder while being knocked down by a stomach bug Friday night and Saturday morning.

"Of course, when I was lying on the bathroom floor I was thinking that," West said. "But, no, not at all. I ain’t missing no playoff game. You’re going to have to drag me off the floor."

West missed the morning shootaround, but he was at his locker for pregame, taping his ankles and slowly trying to get through a grilled chicken breast, the first food he's consumed since Friday evening.

He'll need high energy tonight going up against OKC point guard Russell Westbrook, as well as James Harden. But West suggested their day won't be a piece of cake either.

"Everybody in this league ties their shoes up just like me, you know what I mean?" West said. "They got an important defensive role tonight."

Having West in the lineup is critical for Dallas. At 28, he's the spring chicken on the team and it alleviates the Mavs from pairing Jason Kidd, 39, and Vince Carter, 35, together in the backcourt.

So, what did West think caused his illness?

"Oysters," he said.

That was West's dinner prior to Thursday's regular-season finale at Atlanta.

"I think I got the last of it out," West assured.

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