Thunderous Intentions
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Why Russell Westbrook deserves to start in 2017 NBA All-Star Game

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Nov 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (right) attempts to foul Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (left) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (right) attempts to foul Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (left) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the fourth quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors won 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the fourth quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors won 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Western Conference:

Looking at the top 6 Western Conference backcourt vote recipients, though Curry and Harden lead, unlike the East there  is a 3-way race for the top 2 spots. With Russell Westbrook close in votes this one is far from a lock.  When you factor in Westbrook’s name being misspelled, it might be the difference in the votes between himself Harden and Curry.

Though there are arguments for Thompson, Paul and Lillard, there are equal arguments for Conley and George Hill (when healthy). Suffice to say this does feel like a 3-way race for two spots.

Of the other top 6 vote recipient guards

  • Stephen Curry leads the pack with 523,597 votes
  • James Harden trails Curry by 4,151 votes
  • Russell Westbrook trails Curry by  21,945 votes and Harden by 17,794 votes
  • Klay Thompson trails Westbrook by 208,598 votes
  • Chris Paul trails Westbrook by327,822
  • Damian Lillard trails Westbrook by  votes 383,715

As you can see in the next segment, Steph Curry’s numbers aren’t on par with his previous 2 regular season MVP numbers. Nor are his non-shooting stats as impressive as Russell Westbrook or James Harden.

And while the statistics show an evenly paced race, logic and history punctuate who is the undeniable choice.

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