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Film Room: Russell Westbrook is still the Thunder’s top dog

By Gideon Lim

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 19: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder reacts after being knocked to the floor by a New York Knicks player during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 19, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 19: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder reacts after being knocked to the floor by a New York Knicks player during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 19, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- OCTOBER 19: Russell Westbrook #0, Carmelo Anthony #7 and Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder talk to the media after the game against the New York Knicks on October 19, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Sr./NBAE via Getty Images) /

In the NBA’s first look at the OKC Thunder’s new Big 3, one takeaway stood out – Russell Westbrook is still the king of the hill.

The OKC Thunder got their regular season campaign off to an impressive start. Paul George led the team with 28 points, going 6-for-9 from behind the arc. Against his old team Carmelo Anthony got his own too, with 22 points and even 2 blocks and 2 steals. But, at the end of the day, Russell Westbrook showed why he was last season’s MVP.

Leading up to the game, Chesapeake Arena was buzzing to see their new stars in action. GM Sam Presti’s brilliant offseason had given Oklahomans renewed hope of contention. Fans and the media alike spent hours hypothesizing which of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony would lead the bench and whether Paul George would be a better fit than Kevin Durant for the Thunder.

But by the end of the game, Russell Westbrook showed he still sits comfortably atop the food chain. For one, his triple-double served as a loud and clear reminder to his critics on who was the best player on the team. It was almost just as advertised, but better.

On the night, Westbrook went for 21 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists. After his triple-double averaging season last year, many predict a down year for Russell Westbrook next to his co-stars. But, Westbrook showed his brilliance had not waned, it only changed.

MUST READ: Breaking down Westbrook’s game film in crunch time

Team chemistry definitely needs time to build. Westbrook’s seven turnovers are good evidence of this. But, his 21 points came off an impressive 7-for-12 shooting. Compared that to Paul George’s and Carmelo Anthony’s 23 and 20 shots respectively. Westbrook clearly exerted his influence on the game by facilitating, rather than hoarding the game.

Welcome to the Russell Westbrook show

And, whenever Westbrook attacked aggressively, he showed he is still far and away the best of the bunch.

As Westbrook pushed the ball in transition, he found himself one man against five Knicks. Russell Westbrook’s motto is ‘Why not?’ for no reason. Weaving past the entire defense, Westbrook slithered towards the cup for the and-one scoop layup.

Head coach Billy Donovan will undoubtedly be pleased with Russell Westbrook’s performance tonight. From the looks of it, if the Thunder’s title hopes rest in Westbrook’s hands, fans need only to sit tight for the ride.

As they say, Brodie is gonna Brodie, and that is not a bad thing at all.

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