Russell Westbrook: The Ultimate Distributor
By Shawn Woods
Russell Westbrook’s Assists from 2/9-3/24
It’s no surprise that the types of assists Westbrook thrived in were pick-and-rolls and a simple drive and kick. Westbrook is as athletic and quick with the ball as anyone in the league, and the pressure he puts on opposing defenses creates shots for his teammates. In fact, sometimes the threat of Westbrook driving is enough to create open opportunities.
On this simple HORNS set against the Nuggets, Jusuf Nurkic has to show (or hedge) on Westbrook in order to prevent him a clear shot at the rim. Enes Kanter has a relatively easy roll to the rim, and Westbrook realizes that the only person between 6-foot-11 Kanter and two points is 5-foot-11 Ty Lawson. This is one of the easier assists that Westbrook had during his streak, but it wasn’t uncommon. Kanter was a fantastic roll partner for Westbrook after the trade. However, Westbrook also showed that he has the ability to make passes that most can’t.
On a very similar play, Amar’e Stoudemire shows to stop Westbrook’s drive, Chandler Parsons collapses in the middle of the lane to prevent an easy Kanter dunk so Westbrook makes a crosscourt pass with a hand in his face right in the shooting pocket of Anthony Morrow, who makes the corner three.
Just for fun, here is one of my favorite assists from Westbrook last year. A one-handed, left-handed pass that finds its way to a streaking Andre Roberson.
Next: On the Receiving End