Thunderous Intentions
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Russell Westbrook ‘You, the real MVP’

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Mar 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebartes after they beat thew Orlando Magic in overtime at Amway Center. Westbrook is the first player to score the most points in triple-double in NBA history. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the Orlando Magic 114-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebartes after they beat thew Orlando Magic in overtime at Amway Center. Westbrook is the first player to score the most points in triple-double in NBA history. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the Orlando Magic 114-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Russell Westbrook
Mar 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Especially relevant – Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shake hands after a game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The Beard versus the Brodie:

Examining the MVP argument between Westbrook and Harden offers some compelling coincidences and parallels.

  • Harden and Westbrook are former teammates.
  • Coaching:
    • Harden is excelling with a veteran offensive coach
    • Westbrook is excelling with a former NCAA coach known more for his defense
  • Shooting depth:
    • Harden is surrounded by shooters who excel from the perimeter. Houston attempts and makes the most 3-point shots in the NBA, but rank 15th for efficiency.
    • Conversely, Westbrook’s team ranks 26th for makes and 29th in efficiency
  • Diving in deeper to the 3-point stat:
    • Harden (34.5) is joined by 8 other shooters who connect from the perimeter at 33% or higher:, Ariza ( 35.3 %), Gordon,( 38.1%)  Anderson (39.8 %), Beverley (37.9%), Williams (36.1 %), Nene (33.3 %) , Harrell (33.3 %), and Brown (35.0 %) . As a team, the Rockets have attempted 3,007 threes.
    • Westbrook (33.6%) plus four OKC players shoot above 33% from deep: Oladipo (38,1%), Grant (36.6%), Abrines (37%), McDermott (38.1%) .  Two of the above players (Grant/McDermott) have combined for 143 attempts. As a team, the Thunder have attempted 1,903 triple shots (37% less than Houston).

Related: The amazing ascent of Westbrook up NBA All-Time leader lists

The last stat points to why many in Westbrook camp feel Harden isn’t as deserving. If Russ doesn’t play in cyber mode the Thunder doesn’t win. Seriously, can you imagine what Westbrook’s stats would be if he had eight teammates who shot the three as well or better than him?

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