Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Five takeaways from a dominant Thunder season opener

By Tony Heim

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 19: Russell Westbrook
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 19: Russell Westbrook /
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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) /

Russell Westbrook looks like a new basketball player

I thought the acquisition of Paul George, let alone Carmelo Anthony, was enough to push Russell Westbrook out of the MVP conversation. If Russ plays every game like he did tonight, however, then he will have proven me wrong for the one trillionth time.

Westbrook’s stat line says it all: 21 points on 7-12 shooting (0-1 from three), 16 assists, 10 rebounds (yep the triple-doubles are still a thing), 1 block, +29 in 33 minutes. Full disclosure for the Russ haters in the back, he also turned it over seven times.

MUST READ: Russell Westbrook is unstoppable in the clutch

If you weren’t able to catch the first game of the season you missed out on Part One of the Russ Renaissance. Westbrook ran the Thunder offense with the clear intention of getting his weapons the ball early and often. George and Anthony combined for 23 and 20 shots respectively, the first time two Thunder players outshot a Westbrook-played game in two seasons.

All this and it didn’t take away from his typical bruising style of play. Westbrook attacked the rim with reckless abandon, but only when the Knicks defense gave it to him. He played with more control of the game than possibly ever before, yet he did it by distributing and not by scoring.

Before the game TI writer Matthew Hallett wrote an article stating Westbrook would lead the league in assists. Through three days he’s got a sizeable lead. Matt said it was a bold prediction, but I’m starting to think Russ is the odds-on favorite after what we saw tonight.

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