Views from OKC is a public diary from a bias but reasonable OKC Thunder fan. Today we discuss the effervescent force that is Russell Westbrook.
Going into the season we knew it was going to take a drastic change from Russell Westbrook if the Thunder were going to truly contend. The first seven games told us Westbrook had, in fact, made significant progress in evolving into a more traditional point guard.
In that span Russ took over 20 shots in only one game, the first loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged almost 12 assists a game as he deferred to his teammates. Carmelo Anthony averaged 18.1 shots per game, Paul George attempted 16.9 while Westbrook was a distant third with 15.4 shots per game. Then something happened.
Westbrook started playing like 2016-2017 Westbrook, albeit with two players who aren’t afraid to freeze Westbrook out for a possession. He’s been the player who assumed he had to do everything in order to secure his team the victory, attempting 20 shots or more in all three contests.
After shooting over 7 three-pointers a game last season, Russ cut that number in half to 3.6 attempts through the first 7 games. He’s averaged 8.3 attempts during the Thunder’s three-game skid. It’s shots like these (the first one) that are truly worrisome:
Never mind that the Thunder corralled the rebound and got it back to Russ for an open three. The fact that he even attempted the first shot is the root cause for Oklahoma City’s problems.
Unlike the best offensive teams in the league, the Thunder aren’t using each other to get open looks. Last night was the epitome of that. OKC recorded a season-low 15 assists on another season-low 33.7% shooting from the field. Russ, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George took turns playing isolation basketball, leading to a trio of offensive stars who had no rhythm in their respective shots.
Westbrook sets the tone as the point guard/leader/best player on the team. When he isn’t facilitating first, whether it’s to Paul George, Steven Adams or Jerami Grant, the rest of the team falls in line with his style of play.
It was ugly from my television screen. It was even uglier for Thunder players and coaches. They know that, especially Russell Westbrook. After the game he had no qualms with taking the blame for his team’s performance.
"“It [the intensity] starts with me. You know I think part of my job is to do that and make sure my guys are ready to play. I take ownership in that. It’s part of my job to get us back on a role.” – Russell Westbrook"
He went on to say:
"“I love nights like this. It does nothing but bring us closer as a unit, as brothers. I’m encouraged by the group of guys we have in that room. I will be better, we will be better so I’m not worried.”"
Even though the Thunder have faltered the last three games, this is exactly what we need to hear from the reigning League MVP. Oklahoma City already has the defense to be a top three seed in the Western Conference – it’s the offense that needs a complete upheaval.
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Paul George getting double-digit less touches than Carmelo Anthony is unacceptable. Steven Adams going 4-4 in the first quarter then getting one shot the rest of the game can’t happen. Alex Abrines’ failure to get any plays ran for him is a waste of a special shooting talent. It’s on Russ to make those things happen. When he does it will only make the game easier for him.
Westbrook said he and the team will use this disappointing game to better themselves. What that means is unclear at the moment – we won’t have an idea until Thursday’s game against the Nuggets. The fact he addressed his play in the manner in which he did tells me we’re going to see a different team than we saw Tuesday night.
At least I hope so.