3. The supporting cast should be one of Russ’ friends
Earlier in the day Russell Westbrook made headlines for saying “When I get on the floor, I got one friend, and that’s the ball.” It was in response to his friendship with James Harden so people took it as cute, but I ask what about his teammates?
It’s imperative that Westbrook trusts his teammates, but last night it didn’t seem like he did. Besides Oladipo, Andre Roberson was the only other Thunder player to record at least ten shots, and that’s because Houston was leaving him wide open.
Steven Adams only got six shots even though he had a clear advantage down low. Taj Gibson only had four attempts even though he had Ryan Anderson covering him. Westbrook can’t do it on his own and playing against James Harden and this Houston team should prove that. Harden trusts Patrick Beverley – the team’s worst perimeter offensive threat – to take 13 shots in a playoff game.
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Luckily for us after the game Russ said he needs to do a better job of setting up his teammates. Westbrook definitely attempted to get his teammates looks, but the problem is he was forcing unopen looks. If the OKC Thunder run set plays for the supporting cast it will do wonders for the entire system, but it’s up to Russ to give up the ball a little.